American Heart Month promotes heart health and active lifestyles

FROM STAFF REPORTS

MARBLE FALLS — When it comes to the No. 1 killer of Americans, the culprit might surprise you. But then again, it might not.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death for both men and women is heart disease. While other causes might get a few more headlines each year, the biggest one — and has been for several years — remains heart disease.

In fact, the CDC attributes about one in four deaths annually to heart disease.

One of the ways the CDC and other organizations are trying to get the word out regarding heart disease, as well as cardiovascular disease, is with American Hearth Month, which just happens to be February. Heart disease typically refers to the condition of the heart while cardiovascular disease refers to diseases of the heart and blood vessels as well.

But what exactly is heart disease? Most people have a basic understanding of a heart attack, but maybe not heart disease itself. One type or branch of heart disease is coronary artery disease. According to the CDC, this happens when plaque builds up in arteries.

As the plaque builds up, the arteries become narrower and restrict the blood flow. Eventually, if left unchecked or untreated, this could cause heart failure.

There are other types of heart and cardiovascular diseases such as irregular heartbeats.

One of the keys to preventing heart disease is regular doctor visits so he or she can monitor your health. Sometimes staving off heart disease includes changes to a person’s lifestyle such as diet and physical activity.

There are several things that can help prevent heart disease or at least help reduce the risk.

These include:

• eating a healthy diet
• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• not smoking (if you do, quit)
• limiting alcohol use

For people with high blood pressure, this also means keeping it in check. According to the CDC, one third of U.S. adults have high blood pressure but only about a half of those have it under control. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Since high blood pressure doesn’t offer warning signs or symptoms, it’s a good idea people have theirs regularly checked.

The key, according to health officials, is keeping tabs on your health with regular checkups, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Go to www.millionhearts.hhs.gov and www.heart.org for more information and tips.

editor@thepicayune.com