According to the CDC, someone in the United States dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds.  Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, both female and male.  Each February is recognized as a month to focus on heart health. 

Most of us are familiar with the major risk factors for heart disease such as obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and smoking.  But there are some lesser-known risk factors to consider as well.  Even though anyone can develop heart disease, it is more prevalent in certain populations.

Gender Plays a Role in Heart Disease

When men have a heart attack, they generally experience traditional symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and excessive perspiration.  But women can have no symptoms at all or very different symptoms.  Many female heart attack patients report suffering from fatigue, dizziness, indigestion, and other vague symptoms that are often ignored by the sufferer.  This is often called a “silent heart attack”. 

Your Race Plays a Role in Heart Disease

Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans.  This is not necessarily because of biology, but the environment in which the population lives.  People of the same race have commonalities in lifestyle; they have similar diets, similar activity levels, similar psychosocial experiences, and often live in the same environment.  African American patients are more likely to suffer from health inequities that cause increased stress and distrust in the health care system, poor diet and exercise routines, and less access to medical care. 

Your Mental Health Plays a Role

People that are clinically depressed or experiencing other mental health struggles seem to develop heart disease at a higher rate than the general population.  Decreased motivation to follow healthy routines may result in skipping medications, poor diet and activity levels, and increased alcohol use and smoking resulting in heart disease.

UNC Health Lenoir recognizes February as American Heart Month and is spending the month encouraging patients and employees to take care of their hearts no matter what their risk factors might be.  Brittney Howard, CEP, CCRP, Program Director at UNC Health Lenoir’s Cardiac Rehab Program encourages everyone to follow simple guidelines for a healthy heart, “Control your weight, exercise, manage your stress, get enough sleep, and don’t smoke.  It’s also important to know your numbers, your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Take time during February to evaluate your heart health.  See your primary care provider and learn your risk factors.  Make a plan to improve your lifestyle and your longevity in 2024.”