What Is American Heart Month?
Every February, we celebrate American Heart Month to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, or heart health! Heart health is how well our heart and blood vessels are working together to keep our body well. Our heart is the muscle that pumps blood full of oxygen and nutrients to our whole body. When our heart and vessels are healthy, you have more energy, better mood, and fewer health problems over time.
Heart health is very important- it affects everything from walking up stairs to keeping your brain sharp and our bodies functioning well. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women. While poor heart health is linked to heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions, we have the ability to make sure that we have good heart health. Everyday choices we make on what food we eat, how much we move, how many hours we sleep, and how we manage stress all affect our heart health! Simple and consistent changes in our lifestyle can contribute to a healthy heart and healthy life!
Elevated Perspective
“I wish more patients recognized that healing isn’t just physical, it’s equally a mental journey. Experiencing an illness or injury that disrupts your daily life requires incredible mental resilience. Finding ways to stay positive, keep your mind engaged, and build inner strength is just as critical as physical treatment when it comes to recovery.”
— Alexandra Kiel, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager, Elevated Community Health
“We know that as much as 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable with lifestyle changes, and many chronic health conditions that contribute to poor cardiovascular health are manageable. Improving your cardiovascular health is possible. However, it will take a concerted effort.”
— Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, American Hearth Association President
Signs, Prevention, or What to Watch For
Preventive Steps:
Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health
- Exercise: Regular exercise strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and helps lower high blood pressure.
- Eat Healthy: A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol helps prevent plaque buildup in your arteries and supports overall heart function.
- Cut Salt: Reducing sodium lowers blood pressure and decreases strain on your heart and blood vessels.
- Track Blood Pressure: Monitoring your blood pressure can help you catch problems early and manage your risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and dramatically reduces your risk of heart disease.
- Cut Back Alcohol: Drinking less alcohol can help lower your blood pressure and reduce strain on your heart.
- Lose Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the workload on your heart and lowers your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Get Sleep: Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall cardiovascular health.
- Ease Stress: Managing long-term stress helps prevent persistent increases in blood pressure that can damage your heart over time.
Work with your primary care provider to manage your heart health! They can help you set a plan that works for you.
You should have your blood pressure checked once a year. Schedule a screening with your provider today.
Additional Resources:
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- American Heart Association