February is typically known for Valentine’s Day, the day of love. However, there’s another heart-centric cause that coincides with this holiday: American Heart Month.
American Heart Month is a time to spread awareness of cardiovascular health. It’s also especially a time to focus on making improvements towards positive heart health outcomes, and to become proactive in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.
Why is American Heart Month Important?
Heart disease is the #1 killer of American adults, in both men and women. In fact, it’s the #1 killer of adults worldwide. And, in most cases, heart disease is completely preventable. That’s why spreading awareness of cardiovascular health is so important.
Of course, while learning the facts and staying informed is important, it’s imperative to then apply that knowledge and take deliberate actions steps towards prevention and management.
Heart Related Facts
In the spirit of spreading awareness, here are some interesting (and also rather startling) heart health facts from the CDC:1
- Every 34 seconds, one person dies of heart disease in the U.S. alone
- 1 in every 5 deaths in the U.S. is due to heart disease
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common heart disease
- CAD accounts for 1 in 7 deaths in the U.S.
- 1 in 5 CAD related deaths were in adults younger than 65
- Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds
- 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent and go unnoticed
- Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men
How Can I Observe American Heart Month?
If you’re feeling inspired to take action towards better heart health this month, first of all, “Hooray!” (The Cardiogram Crew is cheering you on from behind the screens.) Secondly, there are plenty of simple steps you can take, starting now:
Take your heart rate data from Cardiogram and send it via PDF to your doctor. And if you’re concerned you could be at risk for heart disease, ask for a cholesterol test. This will let you know if lifestyle changes need to be made, and how to act in your own best interest. If this is something you’ve been putting this off, here’s your cue! Make the call right now. Even if it’s before or after office hours, leave a message. Use this momentum and just do it.
Cardiac DNA testing helps you know your specific risk of developing heart disease, based on your genetics. Cardiogram offers our own Cardiac DNA test, CardioDNA™, which is a simple saliva-based DNA test that tells you your risk of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and certain cardiomyopathies. SHOP NOW »
*Note: CardioDNA™ is available in all U.S. states except NY, RI & PA.
Overview
We hope you use this month to take even greater control of your heart health, and to spread awareness to others. With greater awareness and mindful action, we can lower the stats of heart disease and become a happier, heart-healthier world.
