By Sue Danielson, health services, and Paul Convery, Viterbo student nurse
February is heart month. Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, is the number one killer in the U.S. On average there are 2,200 deaths per day related to cardiovascular disease in the U.S. and about 600,000 deaths per year. Cardiovascular disease costs the U.S. approximately $300 billion annually in medications, health care services, and lost productivity. In addition, every year about 720,000 Americans have heart attacks. There is a heart attack every 34 seconds. This month is all about developing awareness of heart health, spreading the word about cardiovascular disease, and aiming for fewer deaths.
Risk factors that could contribute to heart disease or having a heart attack:
- high blood pressure
- high LDL cholesterol
- smoking
- diabetes
- obesity
- excessive alcohol use
- poor diet
- lack of physical activity
- family history
- men aged 45+, women aged 55+
The warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
- chest pain, discomfort or tightness
- shortness of breath
- upper body pain or discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach
- nausea, cold sweats, or lightheadedness
To keep your heart healthy, every healthy choice is a step in the right direction:
- eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- maintain a healthy weight
- increase physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week
- stop tobacco use or don’t start
- have your blood pressure checked regularly
- have your cholesterol checked at least every five years
- control high blood pressure by limiting sodium and alcohol
- control high cholesterol
- talk to your doctor about taking daily aspirin
- be proactive when it comes to cardiovascular disease.
Free blood pressure screenings will be provded Wednesday, Feb. 4 in Murphy Center Lobby from 9–10:30 a.m., and in the Mathy Center from 2–3:30 p.m.
Click for 28 days to a healthier heart.
In the area, Franciscan Skemp is having an open class on heart disease in women. Click for more information.