February is Heart Health Month. Piedmont HealthCare wants to encourage all of our patients to practice healthy habits and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. Heart disease is the leading cause of death of both men and women in the United States. But the good news is that it is also very preventable.
Some facts to consider about heart disease:
- In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds.
- Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
- One in three women dies of heart disease.
- Ninety percent of women demonstrate one or more of the risk factors associated with heart disease.
As mentioned above, heart disease can be prevented. By following these six simple steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease in your lifetime:
- Schedule regular checkups with your physician where you can review your health history and discuss symptoms or risk factors.
- Participate in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
- Follow a diet that is low in salt and saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats.
- Avoid becoming overweight or obese.
- Do not smoke or use recreational drugs.
- Consume no more than one alcoholic beverage per day.
Take the time this month to learn about heart disease – it’s causes and symptoms- and ways to make changes in your lifestyle that can prevent it. Please discuss any changes to your diet or exercise routine with your provider. More information can be found at The Heart Foundation and The American Heart Association.
