February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is incredibly common in the United States. In fact- It’s the leading cause of death in American adults, regardless of racial and ethnic backgrounds. In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. was caused by heart disease. 

As February is American Heart Month, Newsymom and the Tuscarawas County Health Department want to take this opportunity to spread awareness, share the ABC’s of heart health and encourage good heart healthy habits.  

Healthy Habits Make a World of a Difference..

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults within the United States.. However, you hold the reins when it comes to your level of risk. Of course things like age, family history and other medical conditions are risk factors; but some of the biggest risk factors are things you have a little influence over. 

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Consuming a diet high in saturated fats & cholesterol.
• Physical inactivity 
• Excessive alcohol use 
• Lack of sleep

..are all factors that increase your risk of heart disease. Looking at the list, it can seem like there’s a lot to monitor. But it all boils down to this..

It’s important to care for yourself! 

What we put into our bodies as well as the amount of effort we put into keeping our bodies moving are reflected in our heart health. Fueling your body with whole foods and moving your body regularly are key. Here are 3 steps to improving heart health:

Additionally, we can look to the Million Hearts initiative’s ABCS of Heart health.. an easy to remember guide to lowering your risk of heart disease and improving  heart health. 

A: Take Aspirin as Directed by Your Doctor: ask your doctor if daily aspirin is recommended for you to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. 

B: Control Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease. Monitor your blood pressure and work with your doctor to lower it if need be. 

C: Manage Your Cholesterol: Cholesterol is produced by our liver but is also found in some foods. Having a build up of bad cholesterol in your arteries can lead to heart disease. Talk to your health care professional about cholesterol. They can help you understand the difference between good and bad cholesterol as well as your risk for high cholesterol. 

S: Do Not Smoke: Smoking raises your blood pressure which raises your risk of heart attack and stroke. When you quit smoking, your risk of heart attack decreases in just 24hours!

Get Screened..

Talk to your primary care provider about screening for heart disease. Screening can provide a deeper understanding of your personal risk factors and the steps you may want to take to reduce your risk of heart disease. If you’re in need of a healthcare provider, the Tuscarawas County Health Department welcomes new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling (330) 343-5555, ext. 1810.