While heart health is important during every month of the year, the month of February, which is American Heart Month, is a great time to raise awareness and explore the organ at the heart of health and wellness. Learn about keeping your heart healthy, monitoring your wellness, and more:
Key Components of Cardiovascular Health
- Hypertension and Heart Disease: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be a precursor to heart disease. In addition to working with your doctor, monitoring your blood pressure and keeping track of what helps keep it low, is a good way to tap into your body and set yourself up for many years of heart health. Use this sheet to keep track of your blood pressure and bring it to your doctor with any concerns.
- The Importance of Sleep: As the saying goes, there is nothing quite like a good night’s sleep! But it’s not just your mental state that benefits from a good night’s rest—your heart depends on it, too. When you sleep, your body restores itself. Lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Being disciplined with your routines is a time-tested way to regulate your sleep and help keep your heart at its healthiest. Waking and falling asleep at roughly the same time each day is a major component of maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule.
- Daily Acts of Wellness: Commit to daily acts of living well: from the simple act of taking a walk in the morning to cutting back on how much salt you shake at mealtimes, there are many little shifts you can make in your life that will help your heart stay healthy.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Cardiovascular conditions and heart attacks can be intimidating to think about, but it’s always better to be prepared with knowledge. Learn the signs of heart attacks and strokes so that you can help yourself and others should the occasion arise.
Signs of a Heart Attack
The American Heart Association says that chest and upper body pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness are all signs of a possible heart attack.
Signs of a Stroke
Stroke symptoms include numbness in the face, arm, or leg; confusion; trouble talking or seeing; dizziness; or a severe headache.
Celebrating Heart Health
Heart health should be taken seriously—but you don’t have to address it somberly. From walks with friends to healthful low-sodium meals and regular check-ins with a doctor you trust, there are many ways to celebrate and encourage heart-healthy living!
