February marks American Heart Month, a crucial time to reflect on cardiovascular health. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death across the United States, emphasizing the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and access to specialized care. Fortunately, many forms of heart disease are preventable, and even modest lifestyle adjustments can significantly enhance long-term health.
Steps to Protect Heart Health
According to Alison L. Bailey, M.D., vice chief of Cardiology at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, safeguarding your heart begins with simple, achievable actions that nearly every adult can incorporate into their daily routines. “Anything you do that moves your body counts,” Bailey stated, highlighting the importance of regular physical activity. This includes both aerobic exercises, like walking or cycling, and resistance training, which together serve as powerful tools for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Nutrition plays an equally vital role in prevention. A heart-healthy diet focuses on incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains while minimizing saturated fats and highly processed foods. Such dietary choices promote healthy cholesterol levels, weight management, and stable blood pressure.
Bailey also pointed out two often-overlooked factors: sleep and tobacco exposure. Adults are advised to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, as inadequate sleep has been linked to elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease. Bailey emphasized that there is no safe level of tobacco exposure, making avoidance essential.
Understanding Your Heart Health Numbers
Being aware of key health metrics is crucial. Optimal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels should be kept as low as possible. Additionally, fasting blood sugar should remain under 100 mg/dL to help prevent prediabetes. Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) below 25 and keeping waist measurements within a healthy range further contribute to reducing cardiovascular risk.
Women face distinct challenges regarding heart health. Statistics indicate that one in three women will succumb to heart disease, and nearly 45 percent currently live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy can also expose hidden risks, with between 10-20 percent of women experiencing cardiovascular issues during this period.
This American Heart Month, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute encourages individuals to take meaningful steps toward improving their heart health. Whether it involves increasing physical activity, enhancing nutritional choices, monitoring blood pressure, or eliminating tobacco use, every action counts. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment, WVU Medicine strives to provide world-class cardiovascular care to communities throughout the region. For more information, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.
