Day 56: American Heart Month

Heart disease is the number one cause of death. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack.

The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.

·       Watch your weight.

·       Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

·       Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

·       If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

·       Get active and eat healthy.

·       Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45, or a woman past menopause.

·       Manage stress.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization in the United States that fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke."

Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the #1 cause of death in Hawaii. They pose a significant public health burden to the people of Hawaii. In 2007, more than 3,000 people died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Hawaii. It is also responsible for activity limitations due to disability, a large portion of health care costs including hospitalization, and indirect costs due to lost wages and decreased productivity.

Physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Seventy percent of Americans don't get enough exercise, blaming lack of time and motivation.

Learn about the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association in Hawaii. They’re building healthier lives where you live and work - in the community, health care, education and research.

Donation: $5

To support The American Heart Association, please visit: http://www.heart.org/