February marks American Heart Month, a vital opportunity for individuals to reflect on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death not only in the United States but also in many regions worldwide. This reality highlights the significance of prevention, early detection, and access to expert care. Fortunately, many forms of heart disease are preventable, and even modest lifestyle adjustments can lead to substantial improvements in long-term health.
According to Alison L. Bailey, M.D., vice chief of Cardiology at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, maintaining heart health begins with simple, actionable steps. “Anything you do that moves your body counts,” Dr. Bailey stated, emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity. Both aerobic exercises and resistance training serve as effective strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices Matter
Nutrition plays a crucial role in heart disease prevention. A heart-healthy diet prioritizes the intake of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting saturated fats and highly processed foods. Such dietary choices promote healthy cholesterol levels, weight management, and stable blood pressure.
Dr. Bailey also pointed out two often-overlooked factors: sleep and tobacco exposure. Adults are encouraged to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, as inadequate sleep is associated with higher blood pressure, diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease. Regarding tobacco, Dr. Bailey emphasized that there is no safe level of exposure.
Understanding key health metrics is essential for effective heart health management. Ideal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol should be minimized. Furthermore, fasting blood sugar levels should remain below 100 mg/dL to prevent prediabetes. Individuals are also advised to maintain a body mass index (BMI) under 25 and to keep waist measurements within healthy ranges to further lower their risk.
Women and Heart Disease: A Unique Challenge
Women face distinct challenges when it comes to cardiovascular health. Statistics reveal that one in three women will succumb to heart disease, with nearly 45 percent living with some form of cardiovascular condition. Pregnancy can also uncover previously hidden risks, as approximately 10-20 percent of women experience cardiovascular complications during this period.
In recognition of American Heart Month, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute urges individuals to take at least one meaningful step toward enhancing their heart health. Whether it involves increasing physical activity, improving dietary choices, monitoring blood pressure, or eliminating tobacco use, every effort contributes to better cardiovascular well-being.
By integrating prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment, WVU Medicine aims to deliver world-class cardiovascular care to communities across the region. For more information about heart health initiatives, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.
