Prioritize Heart Health This February During American Heart Month

February marks American Heart Month, a dedicated time to focus on cardiovascular health. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in the United States and other regions, the importance of prevention, early detection, and access to adequate care cannot be overstated. Fortunately, many forms of heart disease are preventable, and adopting even small lifestyle changes can significantly enhance long-term health outcomes.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart

According to Alison L. Bailey, M.D., vice chief of Cardiology at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, heart protection begins with straightforward adjustments that nearly every adult can integrate into their daily routines. “Anything you do that moves your body counts,” Bailey emphasized, highlighting the benefits of regular physical activity. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training serve as effective tools for reducing cardiovascular risk.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in heart health as well. A heart-healthy eating pattern prioritizes vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting saturated fats and processed foods. These dietary choices help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, weight, and blood pressure.

Overlooked Factors That Affect Heart Health

Bailey pointed out two often-overlooked elements that significantly impact cardiovascular well-being: sleep and tobacco exposure. Adults are advised to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, as poor sleep is linked to increased blood pressure, diabetes, and a heightened risk of heart disease. Regarding tobacco, Bailey states unequivocally that there is no safe level of exposure, underscoring the necessity of eliminating tobacco use entirely.

Understanding individual heart health metrics is also vital. An optimal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol should ideally be kept as low as possible. Additionally, a fasting blood sugar level under 100 mg/dL is crucial to avoid prediabetes. Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) under 25 and managing waist measurements can further lower risks associated with heart disease.

Women face unique cardiovascular challenges, with one in three women expected to die from heart disease. Alarmingly, nearly 45 percent of women currently live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy can also unveil previously unnoticed risks, as 10-20 percent of women experience cardiovascular issues during this period.

During this American Heart Month, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute encourages individuals to take at least one meaningful step toward improving heart health. Whether by increasing physical activity, enhancing nutrition, monitoring blood pressure, or eliminating tobacco exposure, each action contributes to better heart health. By combining preventive measures, early detection, and advanced treatment, WVU Medicine offers world-class cardiovascular care to communities across the region.

To learn more about heart health and available resources, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.