Heart Healthy Tips To Prioritize Their Cardiovascular Health

In commemoration of American Heart Month, STHS Heart is raising awareness of heart disease while offering suggestions for leading a heart-healthy lifestyle

Heart disease affects approximately 60% of U.S. adults, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with an estimated 121.5 million adults living with from heart disease, which refers to several types of cardiovascular conditions that affect the heart and how it functions.

But that’s not all… One person succumbs to cardiovascular issues every 33 seconds in the United States, per the CDC, making heart disease the leading cause of death in the nation.

While typically associated with the elderly, the number of heart disease cases among younger adults is increasing at a staggering rate in the U.S., per the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, with the rise in chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes and obesity – the most common risk factors for cardiovascular issues – to blame for the uptick.

In 2023, the number of young adults with diabetes increased from 3% to 4.1%, while obesity rates rose from 32.7% to 40.9%, leading to increased rates of heart failure and heart attacks among people under 40.

Intended to raise awareness on the risks and effects of heart disease, February marks American Heart Month, an initiative that encourages Americans of all ages to prioritize heart health.

So, to help Rio Grande Valley residents keep their cardiovascular health in check and take steps to prevent heart disease in their families, South Texas Health System Heart offers the following suggestions for leading a heart healthy lifestyle:

Choose a healthy eating plan: What you eat can decrease your risk of heart disease, so pick foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. It’s also important to incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet and limit your salt and sugar intake.

Be physically active: Regular physical activity at least two days a week can make a significant difference by helping reduce the stress hormones that tend to put an extra burden on the heart. Studies have also shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer a sudden heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac event.

Avoid alcohol & quit smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can take a significant toll on the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart failure. Avoiding alcohol and smoking can improve your blood pressure, as well as your overall heart rate.

Manage your stress:  Chronic stress, anxiety and anger can raise your risk of heart disease. A sunny outlook can be as good for your heart as it is for your mood.

Know your numbers: Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides in check is important for good heart health.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, so manage your weight through diet and exercise. Losing 10-15% of your body weight can lead to significant health improvements, including better blood pressure, improved heart health and reduced risk of diabetes.

Get enough sleep: Sleep apnea and insomnia are linked to heart disease, with adults who sleep fewer than 7 hours a night more likely to have health problems, per the CDC, which can contribute to cardiovascular issues. Sufficient sleep is vital to overall health.

While American Heart Month serves to encourage, promote and raise awareness for heart health, it’s important to continuously practice a heart healthy lifestyle throughout the year.

As one of the first freestanding cardiology and cardiovascular hospitals in the nation, STHS Heart is committed to delivering high-quality cardiovascular care to residents of the Rio Grande Valley. For more information on STHS Heart the comprehensive cardiovascular services provided, visit https://www.southtexashealthsystemheart.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.