Heart Health Matters: Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart This National Heart Month
February marks National Heart Month, a time to understand the importance of heart health and raise awareness about the steps we can all take to reduce our risk of heart disease. As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease affects millions of people each year. While the statistics can be alarming, the good news is that heart disease is largely preventable with the right knowledge, lifestyle changes, and proactive care.
At BCOM Health, we believe that heart health is something we can all take responsibility for, and National Heart Month is the perfect time to start making changes, educate ourselves, and spread awareness. Let’s dive into some crucial steps for keeping your heart healthy and why it’s important to take action now.
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the heart. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, and other serious complications. Other types of heart disease include heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disorders. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a lack of physical activity can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Knowing your risk factors is an important first step in taking control of your heart health. But even if you don’t have any obvious risk factors, it’s still crucial to adopt heart-healthy habits to keep your heart in tip-top shape.
Key Steps to Improve Heart Health
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is a cornerstone of heart health. Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reducing your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive salt can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. - Stay Active
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to keep your heart healthy. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and strength training can help improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy weight. - Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight, especially around your abdomen, can increase your risk of developing heart disease. By eating a balanced diet and staying active, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Even a modest weight loss can significantly reduce your risk factors for heart disease. - Quit Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, as it damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and decreases oxygen levels in the blood. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful changes you can make for your heart health. If you need help, talk to your BCOM provider about coming up with a plan for quitting. - Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often referred to as “silent” conditions because they may not show obvious symptoms. Regular checkups are essential for monitoring these numbers and addressing any concerns early. Managing both can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. - Manage Stress
Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart, contributing to high blood pressure and unhealthy behaviors. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time in nature, can have a positive impact on your heart health. - Get Regular Check-ups
Preventive care is key to catching potential heart issues early. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your BCOM provider to monitor key indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Your provider can also offer guidance on lifestyle changes and screenings based on your personal risk factors.
Why Heart Health Matters to Everyone
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or background. It affects people of all walks of life. However, certain populations—such as those with a family history of heart disease, individuals with high-stress jobs, and older adults—are at a higher risk.
How BCOM Health is Supporting Heart Health Awareness
At BCOM, we are committed to promoting wellness and supporting the Broward County community in living heart-healthy lives. During National Heart Month, we are raising awareness about heart health by providing resources and encouraging communication with your doctor to discuss your health goals. Whether you’re looking to understand your risk factors, learn how to make healthier choices, or find support for heart disease prevention, we are here to help.
Take Action Now
Heart health is not something to take for granted. Every step you take toward a healthier lifestyle can have a profound impact on your heart and overall well-being. This National Heart Month, take a moment to reflect on your heart health and consider what changes you can make to improve it. Whether it’s adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, or quitting smoking, the time to start is now. Let’s work together to raise awareness, reduce risk factors, and ultimately, protect our hearts for years to come!