Act Early. Save Your Life.

Heart and cardiovascular diseases are conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. We recommend reading this CDC article, which lists US national statistics on heart disease; the facts are staggering.

In 2023, 919,032 people died from cardiovascular disease. That’s the equivalent of 1 in every 3 deaths.

We learned that heart disease is the leading cause of death in almost all ethnic groups for both women and men. This study from the National Library of Medicine shows it affects men more than women, with African-American men at the highest rate.

*source: Library of National Medicine

Top Risk Factors

· High blood pressure

· High cholesterol

· Diabetes

· Smoking or vaping

· Poor diet

· Physical inactivity

· Excess weight gain

· Chronic illness

· Family history of heart disease

Common Warning Signs & Symptoms

CHEST AND UPPER BODY

· Pain, pressure, tightness, or burning in the chest.

· Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back

· Discomfort during physical activity or stress

BREATHING AND ENERGY CHANGES

· Shortness of breath

· Extreme fatigue or weakness

· Dizziness or lightheadedness

HEART RHYTHM AND CIRCULATION·

· Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

· Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet

· Cold sweats or nausea

Heart Healthy Prevention Tips

Most heart disease is preventable. Small, consistent changes can greatly reduce your risk and improve overall health.

· Know your numbers. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight regularly

· Eat for your heart. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins- real food! Reduce your intake of salt, sugar, and fried foods. Get started with eating healthy here.

· Move your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Learn more here about the ways you can get started and how much you need.

· Manage stress. Get quality sleep, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support when needed. Know the signs and when to get mental help.

· Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. This will significantly lower your risk of heart disease.

Your heart works for you every second! Make it a priority- not an afterthought. Making lifestyle changes is not easy, but making just a few adjustments can significantly improve health outcomes. If you’re just getting started on your health journey, check out these habit guides to help you organize an actionable plan to make healthier choices.