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Celebrate American Heart Month: A Focus on Cardiovascular Health

February is American Heart Month, a time to prioritize cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease. This annual observance is particularly significant for women, who are encouraged to take proactive steps toward maintaining heart health.

Heart Disease: Key Facts

  • A Leading Cause of Death: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting men, women, and most racial and ethnic groups. In 2022, heart disease accounted for 1 in every 5 deaths nationwide.
  • High Blood Pressure Risks: Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Alarmingly, only 1 in 4 individuals with high blood pressure has it under control.
  • Economic Impact: Between 2019 and 2020, heart disease-related healthcare costs, medications, and lost productivity reached $252.2 billion.

Protect Your Heart

Preventing high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial steps to reduce the risk of heart disease. Here’s how:

  • Healthy Eating: Incorporate a variety of nutritious foods into your diet.
  • Healthy Weight: Strive to maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Avoid Smoking: Steer clear of smoking or quit if you currently smoke.
  • Active Lifestyle: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
  • Medical Checkups: Regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

In many cases, heart disease is preventable with these measures, allowing you to take control of your health.

 

Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

While cardiac arrest and heart attack are often used interchangeably, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatments.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This disruption prevents the heart from pumping blood to vital organs.

  • What Happens: A person experiencing cardiac arrest becomes unresponsive and stops breathing or gasps for air. Without immediate treatment, death can occur within minutes.
  • What to Do:
    • Call your local emergency number immediately.
    • Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) right away.
    • Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.
    • If two people are present, one should perform CPR while the other calls for help and retrieves an AED.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to a blocked artery. This prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching parts of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle.

  • What Happens: Symptoms may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms in women can differ and may involve back or jaw pain.
  • What to Do:
    • Call your local emergency number immediately, even if symptoms are unclear.
    • Seek emergency medical services (EMS) rather than driving to the hospital. EMS staff can provide life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital and ensure faster care upon arrival.

Know the Difference: Electrical vs. Circulation Problems

  • Cardiac Arrest: An electrical issue that stops the heart from beating.
  • Heart Attack: A circulation issue caused by blocked blood flow to the heart.

Understanding these differences can save lives by ensuring timely and appropriate responses.

Take Action This Month

Make heart health a priority this February by learning about heart disease, adopting healthy habits, and sharing life-saving knowledge. Together, we can work toward a heart-healthy future for everyone.

Source: American Heart Association

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Our cardiology team partners with you to assess your heart health and develop a personalized treatment plan. From prevention and diagnosis to advanced treatments, we’re here to help you maintain a strong, healthy heart.

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