February may be best known for Valentine’s Day, but did you know that it has also been designated as American Heart Month since 1964? During Heart Month, everyone gets to know about cardiovascular disease. A focus on raising public awareness is encouraged. According to the American Heart Association, Heart disease is the leading cause of death, killing one in four Americans. and every year 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with heart disease. This means we all know a friend or loved one who has heart disease or has died from heart disease. The hope is that by taking proactive steps not just this month but in the days and years to come, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this life-threatening disease.

“The first step in the fight against heart disease is prevention and screening,” says Damon Motley, M.D., cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation nurse at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, Missouri.

A type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, in which cholesterol-filled plaques block the arteries of the heart and eventually cause a heart attack. It is a progressive disease that begins at a young age and stabilizes or worsens over time depending on many risk factors. Because this is a lifelong process, everyone should consult a health care professional at least once a year to learn about their risk factors, including basic measurements such as blood pressure, weight, and BMI, as well as labs that measure fasting blood sugar and cholesterol levels. You will need to undergo a screening test. These numbers are important to measure and track to see long-term trends and determine if interventions are needed to manage them.

If you start to experience signs and symptoms of poor blood flow to your heart, such as chest pain or tightness with exercise, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, cold sweats, or shortness of breath, your doctor may recommend more advanced tests, such as: may be instructed. such as an electrocardiogram to check heart rhythm. stress test. Or even a cardiac catheterization to check for blockages in the coronary arteries. These tests can detect problems early, before a more serious heart attack occurs.

“The key is Preventing heart disease is about knowing your numbers and making healthy choices every day This will help you stay mentally healthy today and beyond,” says Motley.

Another important point closely related to heart disease prevention is heart disease intervention. “Interventions are things you can do to proactively reduce your risk of heart disease,” Motley added.

Some risk factors, such as age, gender, family history, socio-economic status, and environment, cannot be easily changed, if at all. Fortunately, researchers have identified dozens of modifiable risk factors. This means you have the power to choose and control these risk factors. These interventions can be lifestyle modifications to reduce the amount of food you eat to lose weight. Get more physical activity and exercise. Quit smoking; avoid alcohol. Learn how to better manage stress. Get more sleep. And eat more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods. Your doctor may also prescribe drugs to lower your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Learning new habits can be tough, but the more you find ways to live a healthier lifestyle, the less likely you and your family will develop heart disease.

“As a cardiac rehabilitation nurse, I see firsthand the impact that heart disease has on the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients. Every year during Heart Month, I share my thoughts with others about this important topic. It renews our sense of urgency to engage with people,” Motley said.

February is full of opportunities to learn more about heart disease, get tested for risk factors, and start replacing bad habits with good ones. You can schedule doctor’s appointments and discuss your diet and exercise plans. Taking a CPR class can save a life if someone goes into cardiac arrest. You can check in on your loved one to make sure they are taking their medications and seeing their doctor. By spreading this information, you can make a difference not only for your own health, but for your family, friends, and community.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Find out your 10-year risk of developing heart disease with the free SSM Health Heart Risk Assessment today.