February is American Heart Health Month, a time in which people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health through education, awareness, and action. 

Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, refers to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels.
It is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S.

The most common types of heart disease are:

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac arrest
• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Peripheral artery disease
• Stroke
• Congenital heart disease
  

Symptoms depend on the type of heart disease and can include:

• Chest pain or tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly, or back
• Pain or numbness in arms or legs
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Racing or irregular heartbeats
• Weakness or fatigue
• Swollen legs or feet

Some people may not have symptoms or may not know they have heart disease until a complication occurs, which is why it’s important to measure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels with your primary care physician.

Risk factors for heart disease include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Excessive alcohol use

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 80% of heart disease is preventable. Some steps to help prevent and manage heart disease include:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking
• Getting your numbers checked for blood pressue, cholesterol, and blood glucose