Every year over 600,000 Americans die due to heart disease. Heart disease can affect anyone and everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Some risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol use, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.
Though heart disease has been prevalent for thousands of years, many aspects of our modern life heighten risk factors, making more people prone to heart disease and failure. Today in the U.S., one in four deaths are traced to heart disease.
“We have seen the death rate from heart attacks rise dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because people are delaying or not seeking care after experiencing symptoms. It is important not to ignore early warning signs like chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness. And the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and women, an often-overlooked fact that can impact when people seek care. For more resources and information, follow your health care provider’s advice or visit www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease.” – The White House, A Proclamation on American Hearth Month, 2021
You can take active steps to reduce your risk for heart disease by:
- Staying active
- Developing a healthy and balanced diet
- Managing your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Reducing daily stress
- Avoiding tobacco
- Moderating alcohol consumption
Celebrate American Heart Month by taking some time to learn about heart health risks, find your favorite heart-helping physical activities, and try some new healthy recipes!