February is American Heart Month, Here’s What You Should Know About Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, causing about 647,000 deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a term that refers to several different types of heart conditions. Out of all the different conditions, coronary artery disease—caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the heart’s arteries—is the most common.
Know the Symptoms
The symptoms of heart disease can vary, and some people may not even know they have a heart condition until they have a heart attack. Common signs and symptoms of heart disease include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations, weakness and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for consultation.
Tips for Prevention
In many cases, heart disease can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle and properly managing health conditions. American Heart Month, organized by the American Heart Association (AHA), is designed to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it. A couple everyday actions that can be taken that may help prevent heart disease are as follows:
- Refrain from smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit sodium intake
- Eat a well balanced, healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Manage your stress
- Limit your alcohol intake
For more information and resources on heart disease and what you or a loved one can do to prevent it, visit the American Heart Associations website.
