WGMC gives tips for American Heart Month
Published 9:15 am Thursday, February 6, 2025
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Americans typically view February as the “month of the heart,” with Valentine’s Day on the 14th providing romantic opportunities for couples to celebrate their relationships. But February also brings awareness to a growing health threat across our country: coronary heart disease.
American Heart Month and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Day (Feb. 7) are two significant events this month that help to educate the public on this deadly disease and equip Americans with the knowledge to prevent it.
“Coronary Heart Disease is the number one leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of death for women,” said Wellstar cardiologist Dr. Akshar Patel. “Spreading awareness of this issue is paramount to saving lives.”
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), occurs when the coronary arteries that take blood to the heart are narrowed or blocked, usually by plaque formed by cholesterol or fatty materials. This makes it difficult for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart.
According to the American Heart Association, in 2022 (the most recent year for which final data is available), more than 941,000 Americans died from heart disease, accounting for every one in five deaths. Heart disease and stroke claim more lives in the United States than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined. The unfortunate reality is that heart disease is the number one killer of women, with nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Georgia and accounts for more than 28,000 deaths every year. In Troup County, heart disease prevalence is 6.2%, which is higher than both the state average (5.4%) and the national average (5.9%). Troup County also has the 16th highest age-adjusted death rate of Georgia’s 159 counties, with cases continuing to rise.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is preventable when a healthy lifestyle is adopted:
- Getting 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- Regularly checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Managing stress
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Avoiding sweetened beverages and foods high in saturated fats
- Eating heart-healthy foods that are rich in fiber, whole grains, and healthy unsaturated fats
“Your heart supports you every second of every day and contributes to your overall health and well-being,” said Patel. “Focusing on your health, understanding your family medical history, and visiting your doctor for routine check-ups are all important to caring for your cardiovascular system. Taking care of your heart can help you feel your best so you can do the things you love with the people you love.”
