February is American Heart Month, which is a great reminder for all of us to adopt or maintain healthy lifestyle choices that help us avoid heart disease. This Heart Month, we’re providing tips for healthy living and offering some ways that we can help you and your employees prioritize heart health.
WHAT’S HEART DISEASE, EXACTLY?
“Heart disease” actually refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the flow of blood to the heart. CAD is caused when plaque, or deposits of cholesterol, build up in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. This buildup causes arteries to narrow over time, which can partially (or completely) block blood flow.
HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS
Heart disease remains a major health concern for many. There are four main risk factors for heart disease, and nearly half of all Americans have at least one of these:
High blood pressure
The two leading causes of death in the U.S. are heart disease and stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading risk factor for both. Almost half of US adults (45%, or 108 million) have hypertension or are taking medication for the condition. Although 30 million of these individuals need medication, they haven’t been prescribed any — or are simply not taking it.
High cholesterol
When your cholesterol levels are high, plaque can build up on the walls of your arteries. Diabetes can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels, as can obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity.
Unhealthy weight
Adults with obesity, compared to those with a healthy weight, are at an increased risk for coronary artery disease.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco damages blood vessels, leading directly to heart disease. Despite knowing the risks associated with tobacco, more than 35 million U.S. adults are currently smokers.
MAINTAINING HEART HEALTH
Take care of your day-to-day health by getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night and aiming for two and a half hours of moderate exercise each week.
The good news about heart disease is that scientists have been studying it for generations. As such, the knowledge base is robust, treatments are numerous, and medications are plentiful. In most cases, heart disease can be preventable, and your primary care provider can help you maintain your day-to-day health.
A primary care provider can:
- Help ensure that your body gets the right nutrients through a healthy diet
- Measure your blood pressure and assist you in managing it
- Help you to stop smoking
- Find ways to improve your quality of sleep
- Help you maintain a healthy weight for your body
- Manage and nurture your mental health
Everyone has different bodies, minds, genetics, family history, and circumstances that impact their health. Mitigating risks to heart health is essential to staying healthy in 2022 and beyond.
Want more information on how Eden’s collaborative care model helps your employees look after their long-term health? Request a demo from a member of our team today.
This blog is intended to be informational in nature. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your Care Team or other healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.
