February is known as the month of love. But forget about romance and chocolates, let’s talk about hearts – specifically heart health and the importance of taking care of this vital organ. We only have one heart, and it deserves all our love and care.
What is American Heart Month?
Every February, Americans observe American Heart Month, an annual initiative organized by the American Heart Association, to raise awareness and educate the public about heart disease and encourage healthier lifestyles. The month-long campaign highlights the importance of heart health, helping individuals recognize the risks and take action to protect one of their most vital organs.
The campaign is important: It has a positive effect on the community as it increases engagement in activities like community exercise groups, awareness events, and fundraising events to support heart disease research.
What is the history behind American Heart Month?
Heart disease is a general term referring to various conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias (an abnormal heart rhythm or beat). It claims the lives of ~702,000 Americans yearly – that’s equivalent to 1 in every 5 deaths. These statistics highlight just how crucial it is for us to understand the risks, prevention, and treatment of heart related conditions.
Heart disease has been a major health challenge in the United States for centuries. Since the early 1900s, lack of public health initiatives and public awareness have resulted in health-related problems for millions. By 1950, heart disease was the leading cause of death among U.S adults. To remedy the lack of public education around hearth disease, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February of 1964 as the first official American Heart Month to raise awareness of heart disease.
As a result of the newly established American Heart Month, funding for research dedicated to heart disease has increased, resulting in technological advancements on how to treat and potentially prevent heart disease.
How can biometric health screenings help with heart health?
An effective way to monitor and manage heart health is through biometric health screenings, which provide valuable information about an individual’s cardiovascular risk and can help detect potential issues before they become more serious. Typical measurements that impact your risk of heart disease include:
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease. Regularly checking your blood pressure can help individuals detect abnormal results early, allowing them to take steps to manage it through lifestyle changes or medication.
Cholesterol: High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease. Monitoring cholesterol levels is essential for identifying and addressing potential issues before they cause significant harm.
Glucose: Elevated blood sugar levels can indicate a risk for diabetes, which can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Identifying abnormal glucose levels can prompt individuals to take action to manage their blood sugar.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Maintaining a healthy BMI can reduce the risk of heart disease, as obesity is a major risk factor for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Another important measure of cardiovascular risk that’s gaining attention is the apolipoprotein ratio. This ratio provides a more precise assessment of your heart disease risk, especially when compared to traditional cholesterol measurements.
To effectively manage heart health, it’s important to regularly monitor these key health indicators and take proactive steps to address any concerns. By staying informed and making lifestyle adjustments based on the results of routine health tests like biometric screenings, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and improve overall wellbeing. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle involves adopting habits such as eating a nutrient-dense diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. These steps, along with avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol intake, help protect the heart and promote long-term health.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the U.S. and the world, but rates have decreased since the establishment of American Heart Month, thanks to a combination of public awareness, improved medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and better prevention strategies. The good news is that many risk factors are preventable – whether through regular exercise, healthy eating, managing stress, or routine check-ups and biometric screenings, we all have the power to positively impact our heart health. American Heart Month serves as a reminder to take heart health seriously, but it shouldn’t be the only time to worry about the heart. Take action now to make healthy living a priority for your people every day with biometric screenings.