February is a month dedicated to the heart in many ways. It is a time to celebrate love and relationships. As American Heart Month, it is also about raising awareness and focusing on cardiovascular health.
In 1963, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed February American Heart Month to encourage people to take action to prevent heart disease, which is now the leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five deaths is the direct result of heart disease. While heart health should be a priority all year round, take a few extra minutes to learn something new about heart disease prevention this February.
An Overview of Heart Disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for certain heart conditions. Included on this list is the most common heart disease in this country–coronary artery disease (CAD). It is sometimes called ischemic heart disease and is a focus during American Heart Month.
CAD involves plaque buildup in the arteries that feed blood to the heart. This build-up reduces blood flow to this critical organ, preventing proper oxygenation.
For individuals with CAD, the first significant sign of illness is often a heart attack. Angina or chest pains are potential heart attack symptoms, but not everyone experiences them.
Other conditions associated with heart disease include arrhythmias, congenital disabilities, and heart valve disease. CAD and other conditions that fall into the heart disease category can lead to myocardial infarction, heart death, stroke, and blood clots. This helps raise awareness during American Heart Month.
The Demographics of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a condition that does not discriminate. It impacts men, women, and all ethnic and racial groups. It does tend to hit some demographics harder, though. For example, 47% of black men develop cardiovascular disease, while it impacts only about 36% of white men.
Health disparities such as this continue to challenge healthcare professionals in complex ways. Social constructs such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and food deserts tend to have a more significant impact on minorities. This issue is often highlighted during American Heart Month.
Certain groups are more likely to develop risk factors for heart disease, as well. Rates of hypertension or high blood pressure are highest in the black community. Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Black women are particularly susceptible to hypertension. However, it is Asians that most often have untreated high blood pressure.
There is also a slight gender gap associated with heart disease. The prevalence of heart conditions is lower in women. However, there is some indication that women may be more likely to downplay the symptoms of cardiac disease, leaving it undiagnosed. American Heart Month seeks to bring all these factors to light.
Making the Most of the New Year
Lifestyle changes can be significant in heart disease prevention strategies. With a new year comes renewal and new chances. Take advantage of that ambitious spirit to develop a heart healthy lifestyle during American Heart Month.
A 2023 narrative review published in Cureus recognized the impact lifestyle modifications can have on cardiovascular disease. The study authors emphasize that diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, weight, and smoking all influence heart health.
Diet
Keep in mind a heart-healthy diet can make a significant difference. It’s all about lowering those low-density lipoprotein levels in the blood, which create plaque in arteries. Shift your focus to nutrient-dense foods and portion control for the new year. The Mediterranean and DASH diets top the list for recommended dietary patterns. These are often emphasized during American Heart Month.
Physical Activity
Create time for exercise to lower blood pressure. The recommended amount of physical activity is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise. The CDC also suggests at least two days of muscle-strengthening exercise each week.
Sleep
The CDC estimates that one in three people does not get adequate sleep, and chronic sleep deprivation can seriously impact heart health. This is a critical message of American Heart Month.
Weight Management
Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease by 28%. People who are overweight tend to have many risk factors at once, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol levels.
Stress Management
Having high levels of cortisol for long periods of time can increase risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can be highlighted during American Heart Month.
Smoking
One in every four cardiovascular-related deaths involves a smoker. Secondhand smoke puts the people around you at risk of heart disease.
As American Heart Month approaches this year, consider your risk factors for heart disease. At the same time, map out a plan to increase awareness of lifestyle changes that reduce the risks and create prevention strategies that will make your heart healthier.
