Announcement
February 3, 2025
February 2025
American Heart Month
American Heart Month, commemorated every February by the American Heart Association, was established in 1964 to bring awareness to heart health. In addition to raising awareness, American Heart Month encourages people to evaluate their lifestyles in order to eliminate risk factors and incorporate prevention strategies into everyday life.
Heart disease – The leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease is comprised of a group of several heart or blood vessel conditions, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD). Other common heart disease conditions include arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, and hypertension, to name a few.
CAD is caused by plaque buildup on artery walls, limiting blood flow to the heart and increasing risk of heart attack. A heart attack, officially called myocardial infarction, is when blood flow to the heart is so obstructed that it causes cardiac tissue death. It is an extremely dangerous and time-sensitive event experienced by approximately 805,000 people in the US annually.
Heart health risk factors – High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and age are the primary risk factors for heart disease. Family history has been linked to heart disease, meaning if your parent had a heart attack, you are at an increased risk of heart attack. This is why it is so important to lead a healthy lifestyle and limit exposure to avoidable risk factors.
Cold weather & your heart – Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict thus increasing blood pressure. The heart must work harder under these conditions, and for people with CAD whose arteries are already constricted, this can become a big problem that may result in heart attack.
Heavy snowfall has been linked to a 6% increase in hospital admissions for heart attack. This is due to physical exertion combined with cold temperatures. Lower your risk by taking breaks, dressing appropriately for the weather, and knowing the signs of heart attack.
Prevention – Heart disease, which cost $252.2 billionin 2019-2020, is considered preventable in 80% of cases throughout the US. Evenif you are predisposed to heart disease by family history, practicing ahealthy lifestyle is encouraged to reduce further risk. Some prevention tacticsinclude
- Healthy eating – foods high in trans & saturated fats have been linked to heart disease
- Staying active & keep a healthy weight –extra weight makes the heart work harder
- Quit smoking & drinking alcohol
- Keep cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes under control
- Know the signs of heart attack and stroke
Learn more about the American Heart Association here.
