{"id":3728,"date":"2019-02-18T15:28:03","date_gmt":"2019-02-18T15:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mybiosource.com\/learn\/?p=3728"},"modified":"2023-03-11T07:55:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-11T07:55:12","slug":"american-heart-health-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mybiosource.com\/learn\/american-heart-health-month\/","title":{"rendered":"American Heart Health Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Table of Contents<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Introduction<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Heart disease as a common cause of death in the United States
\n\u2022 Importance of healthy lifestyle choices in preventing heart disease
\n\u2022 February as Heart Month and its significance
\n2. Understanding Coronary Heart Disease<\/strong><\/a>
\n3. Knowing the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Importance of paying attention to heart attack symptoms
\n4. Risk Factors of Developing Heart Disease<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 High blood pressure as a major risk factor for heart disease, including stroke
\n\u2022 Smoking and its detrimental effects on blood vessels and heart health
\n\u2022 Obesity and its impact on heart health
\n\u2022 High blood cholesterol and its contribution to the development of heart disease
\n\u2022 Diabetes and its increased risk for heart disease, as well as the ABCs for diabetes management
\n\u2022 Physical inactivity and its negative effects on heart health
\n\u2022 Unhealthy eating habits and their impact on blood pressure and heart disease risk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\nHeart disease is considered one of the common causes of death in the United States averaging at about 1 in 4 deaths. Heart diseases can affect individuals of any age and are now happening to younger adults also. And, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span>, half of all Americans at least have one risk factor for the heart disease<\/span>. But, the good news is that heart diseases can often be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.<\/p>\n

February is the heart month, a perfect time to learn about the risk of heart problems and the steps that can be taken to help the heart. It is also the time when hospitals, schools and health departments offer educational material to their local communities to encourage heart health awareness and heart disease prevention. There is a lot that can be done to prevent heart disease and it can begin by working together with the family, neighbors and coworkers to meet the heart health goal.<\/p>\n

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) have launched a national initiative to encourage and motivate individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles and for those interested in getting involved, here is the link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Understanding Coronary Heart Disease<\/strong><\/p>\n

Coronary Heart Disease can develop when the plaque<\/span> accumulates inside the coronary arteries<\/span> resulting in atherosclerosis<\/span>. This can take several years and over time, the plaque can rupture or harden. When it ruptures, blood clot can develop in the surface which can block the blood flow through the coronary artery. The hardened plaque can narrow the arteries thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart. When the flow of oxygen-rich blood is reduced, it can result in a heart attack or angina<\/span>. Over time, coronary heart disease can weaken the heart muscle and can result in heart failure.<\/p>\n

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Knowing<\/strong> the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most of the heart attack can happen slowly although it can also occur suddenly, therefore it is important to pay attention and call 911 if you experience;<\/p>\n