February is American heart month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and this can affect women of any age. Only about half of US women recognize that heart disease is their number one killer. Research shows that heart disease is related to about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Knowing facts, signs, symptoms, and risk factors about heart disease can help you take steps to protect your health and seek proper treatment if you need it.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death for women, it is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Decreased blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack. Symptoms of heart disease may be silent and not diagnosed until a person experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure.
Heart attack symptoms may include chest discomfort or pain, upper back or neck pain, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme tiredness. Arrhythmia is when your heart beats irregularly, causing fluttering feelings in the chest like palpitations. Heart failure is when your heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in your body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean your heart has stopped beating.
Key factors in heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can put people at risk for heart disease such as diabetes, being overweight, unhealthy eating habits, excessive alcohol use, and lack of exercise.
Life’s Essential 8 are key measures for improving heart health. Better heart health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other major health problems. 1) Eat better, aim for lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and cooking with olive and canola oils. 2) Be more active. Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. 3) Quit tobacco. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) to start your journey to a nicotine-free life. 4) Get healthy sleep. Adequate sleep promotes healing, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves brain function. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep. Children ages 6-12 need nine to 12 hours of sleep and 10 to 16 hours of sleep for children 5 and under. 5) Manage weight. 6) Control cholesterol. 7) Manage blood sugar. 8) Manage blood pressure.
As February’s Heart Health Month comes to an end, please reach out to your health care provider to schedule an appointment to discuss ways to reduce risks and protect your health.
For more information, please visit the Clinton County Health District website and review the Community Health Needs Assessment. Diabetes Wellness Program available March 7 and 14, April 4 and 11, June 6 and 13, July 11 and 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Please call CCHD at 937-382-3829, with questions.
Sources: heart.org, CDC.gov
