Employee Health & Wellness: Heart Health Month

February is National Heart Month in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of death in our nation is heart disease. Heart disease or cardiovascular disease is a serious condition that prevents your heart from pumping blood normally. Unhealthy habits such as a poor diet or smoking can lead to severe issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, putting you at extreme risk of complications.

Although common symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath and an irregular or fast heartbeat, sometimes there are no symptoms. It is important to regularly check your blood pressure, get annual blood work evaluations and talk to your doctor about any concerns.

Your lifestyle plays an important role in preventing heart disease. Experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight and limiting your intake of salt and sugar. Include more fruit, vegetables and lean meats to your diet and engage in at least two and a half hours of moderate exercise per week to see positive change.