The Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital and other Oneida County healthcare workers joined together to recognize and promote national Heart Health Month in February. The crew gathered on the steps of the hospital in their Heart Health shirts to “just remind people to live a heart healthy life,” Kathy Hubbard said.
February is a month associated with colorful images of hearts. From pink cookies, cards and banners to ubiquitous advertising backgrounds, the familiar shape is something of an icon of the month. But that also makes it a perfect time to remind people about cardiovascular health. According to the CDC and National Institute for Health, 800,000 Americans suffer heart attacks every year, with 600,000 of them becoming fatal. In terms of all causes of death nationally, this accounts for one in four deaths, making it the single largest cause of death in the US and worldwide. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the primary condition leading to heart attacks.
The human heart weighs on average between 8 and 12 ounces. Despite its relatively small size, it has enough strength to pump blood through the body at 60-80 times per minute, creating the blood flow that provides oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and removes toxins and wastes. Heart disease is a result of the arteries leading to the heart becoming clogged. Other heart conditions can be caused by a variety of diseases, drug use, and environmental toxins. Smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, inactivity and poor nutrition are usually cited as the most common factors in heart attacks. Health officials also suggest that COVID-19 has been shown to be more fatal for individuals suffering from various forms of heart disease.
Heart attacks themselves vary in intensity. A report from the AHA suggests that “one in five heart attacks occur without the person even knowing they had one”. In many cases, people dismiss the symptoms of a heart attack—which can include arm and neck pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath and vomiting—as something less significant. This is especially true for women under 50, who are twice as likely to die of heart attacks than men in the same demographic.
While there is no single method for ensuring heart health, there are some general guidelines that have been proven to aid heart health:
• Exercise—Most medical associations, including the American Heart Association and the National Institute for Health, agree that the single most effective and significant factor in heart health is remaining active and exercising. While any aerobic activities can dramatically improve heart health, walking has been shown to be as effective as most high-intensity exercises, and is easy to practice. Step counters and smart watches can be helpful at creating a consistent walking program and monitoring progress, but any walking is a positive when it comes to strengthening your heart.
• Nutrition—The word “diet” is considered problematic by many health officials, as it usually implies a focus on the visuals results of weight loss, or quick “gimmicky” plans for rapid weight loss. Nutrition, on the other hand, emphasizes a healthy balance of the food and materials that are ingested. Empty calories such as those from soda or junk food tend to increase the accumulation of fat cells and cholesterol, which can lead to plaque accumulating in arteries and more strain on the heart. Simple substitutions, such as aeglass of water for a soda during the day, can make a noticeable change.
• Testing—Experts stress the importance of having regular checkups to detect any developing or emerging problems with heart health. Cholesterol and Blood Pressure checks are simple to obtain, and can often be done at home. Pre-diabetes can be caught early enough to prevent to development of full-blown diabetes, which can be a major heart health factor.
As is the case every year, the President signed a proclamation declaring February to be “American Heart Month”. In the statement, he wrote: “Continuing the fight against cardiovascular disease is crucial to improving our Nation’s public health. During American Heart Month, we must recommit ourselves to ensuring a healthier future for all Americans.”
