This Month’s Focus: Know your heart better!
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This month, we’re focusing on spreading awareness and the importance of having a healthy heart.
By the Numbers
47% Of all Americans have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
1 in 5 heart attacks in the U.S. is silent – the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.
Source: CDC – Heart Disease Facts.
Detail
Let’s Have a Heart to Heart
There are many factors that can impact a healthy heart. From family history to lifestyle behaviors, these factors can put you at risk for heart disease. Growing studies have shown that mental health disorders can cause individuals to experience certain effects on the body that are associated with heart disease. Depression and anxiety over a long period of time can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure along with reduced blood flow to the heart. These effects can lead to a calcium buildup in the arteries, which may result in heart disease.
These mental health disorders can also increase one’s chances of adopting certain behaviors such as smoking, a major risk for heart disease and stroke. Take steps to reduce your stress to keep your heart healthy:
- Relax! Listen to relaxing music to calm down or work on your hobbies.
- Take a break! Prioritize essential items and simplify your time.
- Talk it out: Maintain social connections with loved ones and talk with the people you trust.
Reads & Soundbites
National Wear Red Day
Wear red on Friday, February 2nd, to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans.
Download February 2024 The Pulse
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