02/12/2026
American Heart Month occurs every February to raise awareness about heart disease, educate patients on how common it is, and promote a healthy lifestyle to improve cardiovascular health. In the United States (US), heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women, as well as the leading cause of death among most racial and ethnic groups.
Over the last several decades, the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the US has increased significantly. Hypertension-related cardiovascular deaths increased from 23 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 43 per 100,000 people in 2019. Hypertension was either a contributing factor or the primary cause of 664,000 deaths in the US in 2023. The prevalence of other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity, also has been increasing.
This burden may continue to rise in the coming decades. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the prevalence of hypertension is projected to rise from 51.2% in 2010 to 61% in 2050. The AHA also projected increases in the prevalence of diabetes from 16.3% to 26.8% and in obesity from 43.1% to 60.6% in that same time period. Data from the AHA also suggest that baseline levels of physical activity and sleep health are currently not at the levels needed to improve cardiovascular health.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH:
- take a walk daily
- monitor heart rate response
- improve diet by adding fruits and veggies
- reduce sodium intake
- limit alcohol consumption
- manage stress
- improve sleep habits
- quit smoking
- maintain a healthy weight
- and finally, schedule regular health checkups.
Call to schedule your annual wellness or follow up now with your provider so that you know where you stand with your cardiovascular health!
540-546-2624
The Healing Hands Team!
