Heart Matters: February is American Heart Month

By Tana Poncsak

Did you know that in the U.S. someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds? In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year, and of those, 605,000 are first time heart attacks. February is heart month to bring awareness to heart health and what you can do to stay healthy and hopefully not become another statistic.

With the collapse of the Buffalo Bills football player, Damar Hamlin, and the death of Lisa Marie Presley, both due to cardiac arrest, heart health is on the minds of many these days.

First, there’s a difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. The American Heart Association differentiates the two indicating that a heart attack occurs when blood flow is blocked from the heart. Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and an irregular heartbeat can occur.

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association says to call 911 or your local emergency number. In the case of cardiac arrest, administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), now available in many public venues, can be a lifesaving measure.

Heart disease doesn’t just affect older adults. The CDC reports that one in five adults who died of cardiovascular disease in 2019 were under the age of 65. It’s important to know your risks. The CDC cites high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking can all contribute to cardiovascular disease. Other factors such as obesity and diabetes can contribute as well.

In addition, the CDC reports that choosing a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, regular physical activity, not smoking, staying on top of conditions such as high blood pressure, and seeing your physician for regular screenings are all measures you can take to help lower your risk for heart disease.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has a number of resources and events available throughout the month of February to educate and bring awareness to the importance of heart health. So, learn more about heart health and keep your ticker happy.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice. For medical advice, please seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner.