What Is Heart Month?

What is Heart Month?

Heart Month is celebrated every February by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to encourage heart healthy habits in individuals everywhere. Heart Month is also meant as a time to raise awareness for a variety of heart issues and works to keep families and communities free from heart disease, which is the number one killer of Americans. President Lyndon B. Johnson first proclaimed that February would be known as American Heart Month in 1964, just nine years after he had his first heart attack. He wanted to remind Americans that they can prevent deadly heart issues and live a healthier, longer life. February has kept its status of “Heart Month” to this day.

Four ways to make sure your heart stays healthy:

• Monitor your blood pressure. Making sure your blood pressure is normal will help prevent heart issues. If you catch high blood pressure early you can talk to your doctor on what to do to lower it and prevent heart issues in the future.
• Keep your cholesterol at a normal level. If you have too high of cholesterol your arteries can become clogged which can put you at risk of coronary artery disease or heart attacks.
• Practice healthy habits daily. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep will all prevent you from heart issues. Doing these things can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol which will both prevent heart disease.
• Refrain from drug use. Limiting alcohol and not smoking are also a big part of preventing heart disease. Drinking excessively will raise your blood pressure and make you more likely to have heart problems. Smoking also raises your blood pressure and increases your chances of heart attack or strokes. If you already smoke quitting will lower your chances.
• Know your history. Ask your parents or family members if they know of any genetic heart health issues that you should be aware of. By understanding the signs of different genetic heart health issues, you could save yourself a lot of trouble down the road if you notice signs and symptoms earlier!

Daily Tips to promote heart health:

• Walk for 30 minutes daily
• Eat more vegetables and fruits in daily meals
• Avoid trans fats in foods you consume
• If you do drink; Woman should consume no more than one drink per day, Men should consume no more than two drinks per day
• Avoid all tobacco products

Signs & Symptoms of heart issues*

• Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Throat or jaw pain
• Constant fatigue
• Legs, feet, or ankle swelling

*Consult a doctor if experiencing any/all these signs often.