In February, a month traditionally associated with love, people across the United States and around the world turn their attention to something equally vital: heart health. February is recognized as Heart Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain the leading cause of death worldwide.
The Importance of Heart Health
It’s easy to overlook our heart until something goes wrong, but taking care of your heart is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. The heart is the engine that powers the human body, pumping blood, oxygen, and nutrients to every cell. Yet, over time, factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress can take a toll, leading to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. The good news? Many of these conditions are preventable.
Understanding the Risk Factors
During the month of February, awareness campaigns encourage people to understand the key risk factors for heart disease, which include:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): This can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
- Cholesterol levels: Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, while not enough good cholesterol (HDL) can leave your heart unprotected.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and decreases oxygen flow, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to obesity and other heart disease risk factors.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated fats, sugars, and salt can increase your chances of developing heart disease.
- Family history: If heart disease runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Co-Director, Program in Cardiovascular Health
WashU Medicine Cardiovascular Division
So much of achieving heart health is in your control by adopting a healthy lifestyle aligned with the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. My research focuses on novel polypill-based strategies to improve medication adherence for cardiovascular disease, another important factor in achieving heart health.
Agarwal
The Power of Awareness
Heart Health Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that prevention is key. Through education, regular screenings, and lifestyle changes, millions of people can reduce their risk of heart disease.
Organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) play a critical role in spreading awareness and offering resources to help people understand how to care for their hearts. From educational materials to support for research into better treatments, these organizations work tirelessly to promote heart health.
The message is clear: heart health is too important to ignore, and every day is an opportunity to make healthier choices. It’s a chance to prevent the preventable and take steps toward a longer, healthier life. The power to live heart-healthy is within reach, and by making small, informed choices, we can all contribute to a world where fewer lives are lost to heart disease.
Remember, your heart deserves the best care you can give. It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better.