BURNSVILLE — This month is American Heart Month, and everyone, especially women, is encouraged to take care of their cardiovascular health.

Olivia Lee-Wood Jefferis, a nurse practitioner at WVU Medicine Barnesville Family Medicine East, shares the following information about cardiovascular disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds in the United States. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for all racial and ethnic groups in both men and women.

“I have a strong family history of cardiovascular disease, so I work tirelessly to improve my overall health. My mother’s experience with a heart attack is atypical, with symptoms similar to indigestion. showed.” Jeffries said. “We would like to emphasize that your symptoms may be unusual, such as unexplained shortness of breath or pain in your jaw, neck, arms, or back.

Most importantly, we want patients to understand the symptoms of possible heart disease and when to seek medical help. ”

Risk of cardiovascular disease can be inherited. Modifiable risks include high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle patterns such as sedentary behavior, and a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods.

Controlling or eliminating these risks can reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular injury and death.

“We recommend arranging a medical check-up with your GP to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.” Jeffries added. “These can help you identify your own specific risk factors and design a treatment strategy.”

Warning signs of heart disease include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath during exercise, chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, and swelling in the ankles or legs.

Here are some tips to prevent heart disease:

∫ Maintain a healthy weight

∫ Consume a healthy diet rich in lean meats, fruits, and vegetables

∫ Eliminate processed foods, saturated fats, and trans fats

∫ Increase dietary fiber intake

∫ Limit salt and sugar intake

∫ Do 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or weight lifting, per week.

For more information on warning signs and ways to prevent heart disease, visit CDC.gov/HeartDisease.