Does the secret to a long life lie in a healthy heart? Many people certainly believe so, and there are lots of reasons why. In truth, the importance of heart health cannot be overstated. And while there are doctors, organizations, fitness industry-leading experts, dieticians, and many others who stress heart health’s importance with facts, figures, and suggestions, the numbers are stark.
Nearly half of the adults in the U.S. today suffer from some form of heart disease, in which heart attacks are expected. Deaths are on the rise. So, where do you begin to understand heart health better? How can you improve and maintain it or join the fight against heart disease? The American Heart Association has designated February Heart Health Awareness Month with those goals in mind. Read on to learn more.
What is Heart Disease?
A wide variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels fall under the broad umbrella commonly referred to as heart disease. Coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders (or arrhythmias), and congenital heart defects (or defects of the heart present at birth) are all considered heart diseases. Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, with one in four deaths linked to heart disease across the U.S., and it is steadily rising.
Causes of Heart Disease
Heart disease occurs when plaque develops in the arteries and blood vessels that to the heart, blocking oxygen and nutrients from reaching your heart. Many common causes of heart disease are linked to lifestyle choices, including high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol. High blood pressure can be such a significant factor that one study shows that when cases of high blood pressure are removed, the rate of heart disease decreases from 48.5% or 121 million Americans to 9% or 24.3 million Americans.
Beyond the Heart
Heart disease has been linked to type 2 diabetes and depression. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or experience a stroke as people who don’t have diabetes. Other studies show that people with depression are developing heart disease at higher rates than the rest of the population. While heart disease is indeed dangerous, in many cases, it can be prevented. Some relatively easy ways to focus on good heart health include:
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
- Stress reduction
- No smoking and drinking in moderation
- Annual physical exams from your doctor to assess and discuss risk factors
- Knowing the warning signs of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The Female Connection
Though heart disease affects all members of society regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geographical location, heart disease is the number one killer of women. And while everyone should focus on heart health, the ladies get a particular emphasis during February with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® campaign.
The Go Red campaign created a community where women worldwide can get involved and fight against this disease. There is something for everyone, from events and local Meetups to social campaigns and everything in between. For more information about how you can get involved in the American Heart Association’s events, please visit heart.org.