February is American Heart Month: Go Red

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. About 695,000 people in the United Statesdied from heart disease in 2021, and about 805,000 people have a heart attack every year. Heart disease costs the United States about $239.9 billion each year from 2018 to 2019. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association is asking people to wear red on February 2 and join millions of people in raising awareness about efforts to eradicate heart disease and stroke through its “Go Red for Women” campaign. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. Diabetes, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use also increase the risk for heart disease. Get regular physical activity to help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Eat healthy food, do not smoke, and take your heart medication as prescribed. Do not neglect your heart health. Listen to your heart and protect your health. See the Figure below. Among Black women ages 20 years and older, nearly 58% have high blood pressure, and only around 20% of those women have their blood pressure under control. IPH has a Hypertension Control program with a home self-monitoring blood pressure device. If you are interested in controlling your blood pressure, enroll in the Hypertension Control program today by calling 313 309-9350 ext. 2.