American Heart Month

Theme of Heart Month 2023 - Take up a heart-healthy habit.

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and encourage people to take steps to improve their heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it affects both men and women alike. Heart disease is often thought of as a “man’s disease,” but it affects women just as much. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined.

The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease, launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 2002. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the risks and symptoms of heart disease in women and to encourage women to take steps to improve their heart health. The campaign features the iconic Red Dress as a symbol of the fight against heart disease in women. The Red Dress is meant to remind women that heart disease doesn’t discriminate and that all women need to take care of their heart health. The Heart Truth campaign has made significant progress in raising awareness about heart disease in women, but there is still much work to be done. By continuing to promote the importance of heart health and encouraging women to take proactive steps to prevent heart disease, we can continue to reduce the number of women affected by this #1 silent killer.

The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable.Women can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease by making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing stress. It’s also important for women to know their risk factors for heart disease and to talk to their healthcare provider about ways to reduce their risk. If heart disease is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the type and severity of the condition. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

The statistics surrounding heart disease in women are alarming, but we can take action to reduce the risk. By understanding the risks, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options for women’s heart disease, we can make informed decisions about our health. Regular exercise is essential for minimizing the risk of heart disease, as it strengthens the heart and improves circulation.Even small amounts of physical activity, such as taking a brisk walk or dancing to your favorite song, can make a big difference in your heart health. It’s never too late to start incorporating exercise into your daily routine, and the benefits can be life-changing.

Stress can also contribute to the risk of heart disease, so it’s important to practice stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, breathing exercises, journaling, and yoga. By making lifestyle changes like these, we can prioritize our heart health and reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Let’s continue to raise awareness about the #1 silent killer of women and empower each other to take control of our heart health. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

For more resources on heart disease visit: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth