February is heart health month
February is famously about hearts already, but it's also National Heart Month, and a great time to learn about some steps you can take to keep your most important muscle working strong. Here are some facts that you may not know, and tips you can use to keep your heart healthy:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
- Over time, heart disease can cause a heart attack, and many people are unaware of the warning signsâ€”which can be rather mild. Chest pain or discomfort, pressure or squeezing, along with shortness of breath, and nausea, are all symptoms of heart attack. Although not everyone who has a heart attack experiences the same symptoms, itâ€™s important to take notice and know what to look for in order to get proper help quickly.
- Risk factors for heart disease, such as age and heredity cannot be changed, so be sure to see your doctor regularly and make sure they know your familyâ€™s history of heart problems. Other risk factors, like smoking and a lack of exercise, can be helped!