Protect Your Heart: Urgent Steps for American Heart Month

URGENT UPDATE: February is American Heart Month, a critical time to prioritize cardiovascular health as heart disease remains the leading cause of death nationwide. This month, experts from the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute are urging everyone to take immediate action to protect their heart health.

According to Dr. Alison L. Bailey, vice chief of Cardiology, simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce heart disease risk. “Anything you do that moves your body counts,” Bailey stated, emphasizing the importance of incorporating regular aerobic exercise and resistance training into daily routines.

Nutrition plays a vital role as well. A heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Bailey warns against the dangers of saturated fats and highly processed foods, which can exacerbate heart health issues.

Additionally, sleep and tobacco exposure are often overlooked factors in cardiovascular risk. Adults are encouraged to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly, as inadequate sleep is linked to serious conditions such as elevated blood pressure and diabetes. Furthermore, Bailey stresses that there is no safe level of tobacco exposure when it comes to heart health.

Understanding your heart health metrics is crucial. Optimal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg, with LDL (bad) cholesterol levels kept as low as possible. Maintaining a fasting blood sugar level under 100 mg/dL is essential for preventing prediabetes, while keeping a body mass index (BMI) under 25 significantly reduces risk.

Women face unique challenges, with statistics showing that one in three women will die from heart disease and nearly 45 percent currently live with cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy can also expose hidden risks, with 10-20 percent of women experiencing cardiovascular issues during this time.

This American Heart Month, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute calls on everyone to take at least one meaningful step towards better heart health, whether that means incorporating more physical activity, improving nutrition, monitoring blood pressure, or eliminating tobacco use.

Combining prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment, WVU Medicine is dedicated to delivering world-class cardiovascular care across the region. To learn more about heart health and the steps you can take today, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.

Don’t wait—your heart health is too important. Take action now to protect your heart and inspire others to do the same.