February marks American Heart Month, a crucial period for individuals to focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in many countries, emphasizing the need for prevention, timely detection, and access to qualified care. Fortunately, a significant number of heart disease cases are preventable through lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Alison L. Bailey, vice chief of Cardiology at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, emphasizes that simple, everyday steps can greatly enhance heart health. “Anything you do that moves your body counts,” Bailey stated, highlighting the importance of regular physical activity. Both aerobic exercises and resistance training play vital roles in lowering cardiovascular risk.
Nutrition is another fundamental aspect of heart health. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, while minimizing saturated fats and processed foods, can support healthy cholesterol levels, weight management, and blood pressure.
Sleep and tobacco exposure are often overlooked but equally critical components of cardiovascular health. Adults should aim for between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, as inadequate rest is linked to increased blood pressure, diabetes, and a heightened risk of heart disease. Regarding tobacco, Bailey makes it clear: there is no safe level of exposure.
Understanding personal heart health metrics is essential. Optimal blood pressure is considered to be below 120/80 mmHg. Additionally, it’s advisable to keep LDL (bad) cholesterol as low as possible and fasting blood sugar under 100 mg/dL to prevent prediabetes. Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) below 25 and keeping waist measurements within healthy limits can further mitigate risks.
Women encounter distinct challenges concerning heart health. Statistics indicate that one in three women will die from heart disease, and nearly 45 percent currently live with some form of cardiovascular condition. Pregnancy can unveil previously unrecognized risks; between 10 to 20 percent of women may experience cardiovascular complications during this period.
This American Heart Month, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute urges everyone to take a significant step towards enhancing heart health. This could involve increasing physical activity, improving dietary habits, monitoring blood pressure, or eliminating tobacco exposure.
By integrating prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment strategies, WVU Medicine provides top-tier cardiovascular care to communities in the region. For more information on heart health, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.
