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On February 7, our team wore red for “Wear Red Day” to raise awareness about heart disease

American Heart Month: Are You One of the 50% at Risk?

Did You Know? Every 33 seconds, someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease. That’s nearly 2,600 lives lost every single day to a condition that is largely preventable. This February, we are celebrating American Heart Month, where we take a closer look at heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S.—and what you can do to protect your heart.

On February 7, our team wore red for “Wear Red Day” to raise awareness about heart disease
On February 7, our team wore red for “Wear Red Day” to raise awareness about heart disease

Cardiovascular Diseases nearly affect 50% of Americans

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Nearly 50% of Americans have at least one major risk factor for heart disease. These include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and obesity. These factors often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

But here’s the good news: up to 80% of heart disease cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and early intervention.

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

High Blood Pressure

Nearly 47% of U.S. adults have hypertension (high blood pressure)- a silent killer that often leads to heart complications. Uncontrolled hypertension can damage blood vessels, and is a major risk factor for heart disease.

High Cholesterol

High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup in arteries.

Smoking

Smoking damages and narrows blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease)

Obesity

Over 41% of Americans are classified as obese. Having obesity increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Physical Inactivity

Only about 24% of high school students meet recommended daily activity levels according to the American Heart Association. 

Change your lifestyle to have a healthier heart

The power to improve your heart health lies in taking small, consistent steps. Here are five impactful habits to adopt:

  1. Change your diet and focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  2. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, yoga or cycling.
  3. Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night, and manage stress effectively. 
  4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
  5. Stay proactive by maintaining regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

This American Heart Month, let’s honor those affected by heart disease by taking steps to protect our own hearts and encouraging others to do the same. Remember, even small changes lead to big results when it comes to your health!

Elevated Health is a Direct Primary Care practice in Huntington Beach and Redding, California. If you’re interested in learning more (or finding a direct physician near you), consider a free consultation with Elevated Health today. Our team of providers is eager to provide you with personable healthcare at a feasible cost.

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