February is American Heart Month. Not only because it's the month when we celebrate Valentine's Day, but also a time to focus on our cardiovascular health.
American Heart Month is a federally designated event. It is a reminder to focus on our hearts and to encourage the same to our families, friends and community. President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed The first American Heart Month in February 1964 Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
The Heart
The heartbeats are evidence that the heart is pumping. Doctors often describe the sound of the heartbeat as "lub-dub". The heart rate, or pulse, is the number of times the heart beats within a minute. The heart rate goes up when the body needs more oxygen (such as during exercise). The heart rate goes down when the body needs less oxygen (such as during rest).
Heart Disease
Symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
Heart disease symptoms caused by abnormal heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)
- Fluttering in your chest
- Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical care if you have these heart disease signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
Make Your Heart Happy
Certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, can't be prevented. However, the same lifestyle changes that can improve your heart disease can help you prevent it, including:
- Don't smoke.
- Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
- Practice good hygiene.