Be Heart Smart: Observe 'Annual American Heart Month' in February

Most people know someone who has suffered a heart attack or a stroke, or has possibly had the misfortune of having one or both of these happen even to themselves. But how many people take the time to learn the warning signs that signify that one of these events is occurring in their body, or make a firm decision to make heart smart decisions regarding lifestyle changes?

Being heart smart can make the difference between living and dying when a heart attack or stroke occurs. Many years ago my father suffered a major heart attack followed by a second one, and didn't survive the second; a year ago one of my siblings had a stroke after not recognizing impending symptoms including a loss of balance and dizziness, and died not too long after that due to complications that occurred because of the stroke. Perhaps these deaths could have been avoided had precautionary measures been taken - that is something I will never know, of course.

The American Heart Association wants to help us avoid heart attacks and strokes, and has a number of websites dedicated to that mission.

This Association fully backs the concept of having an "Annual American Heart Month" as well as designating February 4^th as "National Go Red for Women Day." To learn more about fundraising efforts for "National Go Red for Women Day,"click here.

Do you know what the warning signs are for a heart attack or a stroke? The American Heart Association has these signs spelled out on their website (click here).

Do you know how to prevent heart disease and stroke? Read up on ways to get and stay healthy on the American Heart Association website (click here).

Do you know your numbers that count, as well as other conditions that relate to heart disease and stroke? To learn more about this, click here.

Do you need to learn more about being a caregiver of someone who is in ill health? To learn more, including 10 tips to help you refresh yourself, click here.

The American Heart Association maintains a number of websites, namely:

• American Heart Association
• American Stroke Association
• HeartHub for Patients
• Everyday Choices
• My.AmericanHeart for Professionals
• Scientific Sessions
• Stroke Conference
• You're The Cure
• Global Programs
• Shop Heart

Some sobering statistics on the American Heart Association website:

- The cost of treating heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030, according to new projections from the American Heart Association. The $545 billion increase is due in part to an aging population.

- Currently, 1 in 3 Americans (36.9 percent) have some form of heart disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and other conditions. By 2030, approximately 116 million people in the United States (40.5 percent) will have some form of cardiovascular disease, the panel said. The largest increases are anticipated in stroke (up 24.9 percent) and heart failure (up 25 percent).

- Between 2010-30, the cost of medical care for heart disease (in 2008 dollar values) will rise from $273 billion to $818 billion, the authors [of a study] predicted.

The American Heart Association fully backs the concept of having an "Annual American Heart Month" as well as designating February 4^th as "National Go Red for Women Day." Be heart smart. Learn about the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, and ways to prevent these from happening to you by making good choices that lead to better health.

Sources:
American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/

Cost to treat heart disease in United States will triple by 2030
American Heart Association Policy Statement
http://www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?s=43&item=1241