About American Heart Month
While many people's thoughts turn to hearts on February 14th - St. Valentine's Day, February is American Heart Month. This is a time of the year to focus minds on the leading cause of death globally.
Heart disease is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart. Some of the most common forms of heart disease include coronary artery disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital heart disease. Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and a family history of heart disease.
Treatment for heart disease can include lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. Preventing heart disease involves managing risk factors and making lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy heart.
A Presidential Proclamation has been issued each year for February since 1964.
“During American Heart Month, we recommit to supporting the more than 120 million Americans living with a cardiovascular condition; advancing groundbreaking and lifesaving research; and expanding access to affordable health care, prescription drugs, and healthy lifestyles.
“Heart disease has long been the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming nearly 700,000 lives a year. Nearly half of all American adults have at least one major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. From heart attacks and strokes to high blood pressure, the threat of cardiovascular disease touches almost every family in our Nation. But while heart conditions can be costly and deadly, they are also often preventable with access to affordable health care, advancements in technology, and lifestyle changes.”
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