In almost every store this month, red and pink hearts overflow shelves and counters, which in turn becomes a helpful reminder that February is American Health Month.
According to a January 2019 report from the American Heart Association, 121.5 million adults in the United States- 48 percent- based on 2016 figures- have cardiovascular disease. The report also showed that the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. is still heart disease.
"We're becoming more and more aware of the importance of high blood pressure. Levels we used to think were normal we now associate with worse outcomes, and treating them makes a big difference," said Dr. Emelia J. Benjamin, a professor of cardiology at Boston University and contributing writer of the report.
San Bernardino County experienced approximately 181.4 deaths per 100,000 people due to heart disease from the years 2014-2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national center for chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
Of both genders and all ages, white (non-Hispanic) ethnicities in San Bernardino County had the highest death rate at 221.4 per 100,000. The second highest was black (non-Hispanic) at 218.3 and Hispanic at 125.9 heart disease-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Clinicians and heart organizations continue to assert that prevention is possible and life changes must happen in order to lower the risk of heart disease.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol can clog vital arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. “Bad” cholesterol occurs due to an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and/or having excess weight, according to the American Heart Association. The way to combat “bad” cholesterol is to get a blood test and know your cholesterol levels then making the proper changes. Substitute unhealthy foods for something low-fat and insert a daily exercise routine to help lower “bad” cholesterol levels.
Blood pressure is another key factor that determines how at risk a person can be to develop heart disease.
High blood pressure is often caused by having a high-sodium diet, drinking too much alcohol, physical inactivity, sleep apnea, obesity and stress, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Pressure Institute. The institute recommends everyone ages 3 or older should have their blood checked at least once a year. These readings will help prevent or manage high blood pressure. To help lower the risk of high blood pressure, choose healthier meal options, find a fun exercise that you enjoy regularly, seek help to finally quit smoking and find a way to step away and relax when stress levels rise.
Family history is being considered a “risk-enhancing factor,” according to the American Heart Association. Knowing if your parents, grandparents or sibling has had a heart attack, stroke or any type of heart disease is another critical way to help lower the risk of disease. Knowing if and/or when a relative developed heart disease can help a health care provider gain a better perspective on your overall risk for cardiovascular disease in the future, according to the American Heart Association.
American Heart Month is not only the time to start making choices to help better your heart health but it’s also a time to bring awareness to others. According to the January American Heart Association report, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death, resulting in 7.1 million deaths worldwide in 2016. Smokers are at high risk of increasing blood pressure, heart rate and the narrowing of arteries.
Use this month as the beginning of the journey toward healthier hearts. Making different dietary choices and welcoming regular physical activity can help keep your heart healthy, so your heart can continue to use it to love and spread love.