Matters of the Heart

Valentine’s Day is arguably February’s biggest claim to fame, but I must confess that I’m not a big fan of this holiday. It seems a bit unfair that the perfect gift on a single day should serve as a litmus test for an entire relationship. However, every time I take a trip to the store around this time of the year I see those giant teddy bears trying to tell me otherwise. Luckily for me and my sanity, February is also a time to discuss matters of the heart of a much more serious nature.

February is American Heart Month, where various health organizations focus on heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. I decided to learn a little more about heart disease, and I found out that several factors can increase our risk of a serious heart problem. Some factors such as age and family history are beyond our control, but others like high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes can be influenced by our lifestyle.

I was relieved to learn that there are several simple steps that we can take to reduce our risk of heart disease.  Healthy eating, being physically active, quitting smoking, and managing stress are all great ways to improve heart health.

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, it is important to know the symptoms of heart disease and the signs of a heart attack such as chest pain, upper body discomfort, and shortness of breath. Interestingly, the symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women and in men. Symptoms such as pain in the upper back, neck, or jaw, dizziness, and fainting are more common in women, and though these symptoms may appear to be less severe, they are no less serious. It is very important to seek treatment for any symptom that you may have and to encourage your loved ones to do the same.

A disappointing Valentine’s Day may break your heart, but it probably won’t kill you. Heart disease, on the other hand, is often life-threatening. Learn the symptoms of heart disease and aim for a heart-healthy lifestyle, and you’ll be well on your way to many more opportunities to show your love every day of the year.