Listen to Your Heart

February is American Heart Month, a public health campaign that encourages all individuals, particularly women, to prioritize and evaluate their cardiovascular health.

Despite advancements in medicine, women across the United States continue to face preventable heart health-related illnesses and deaths. Nearly half of U.S. women remain unaware that heart disease stands as the leading cause of death.

1 in 5

According to the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP), health complications related to chronic high blood pressure account for 1 in 5 deaths among women in the U.S. Being proactive about heart health and understanding the risk factors for high blood pressure is paramount.

Know Your Risk and Take Action

Risk factors for high blood pressure include various health conditions, lifestyle choices, and family history. While factors like age and family history may be beyond control, steps can be taken to manage and reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Medical conditions such as elevated blood pressure and diabetes elevate the risk of high blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure, slightly higher than normal, can evolve into chronic high blood pressure over time. Additionally, approximately 6 out of 10 individuals with diabetes also battle high blood pressure, underscoring the importance of managing both conditions to mitigate heart disease risk.

Lifestyle behaviors significantly influence high blood pressure risk. Unhealthy diets high in sodium and low in potassium, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use are key contributors. These factors not only elevate blood pressure but also increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Moreover, family history and genetics play a pivotal role in high blood pressure risk. Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure may face increased susceptibility, particularly when combined with unhealthy lifestyle choices.

The significance of monitoring blood pressure cannot be overstated. Often dubbed the "silent killer," high blood pressure may exhibit no symptoms but poses a grave threat to heart health. Regular blood pressure monitoring, whether at home, in a pharmacy, or during medical visits, is essential for early detection and management.

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring, in conjunction with regular medical checkups, can help you to control high blood pressure, or hypertension, effectively. Your health provider may also prescribe medications and/or recommend dietary guidelines and physical activities to help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels, but adherence to treatment regimens is crucial.

For more information on monitoring blood pressure, managing hypertension, and promoting heart health, refer to resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP).

Remember, your heart matters—take care of it today for a healthier tomorrow.