COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States but according to health experts, the disease is preventable.
February is American Hearth Month, and it’s an effort to raise awareness while focusing on your cardiovascular health. Not only is cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in women, but nearly 45% of women over 20 are living with some form of the disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Dr. Amrita Karve, a cardiologist and an American Heart Association Board Member, said people who have a history of smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are generally the most at risk of heart disease and can happen at any age.
“Most commonly 40-plus, but with some of these risk factors becoming more prominent, even the younger populations due to obesity, we have been seeing it in younger ages as well,” Karve said.
Karve said there are ways to keep your heart healthy by not smoking, focusing on your diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Karve also mentioned that paying attention to your cardiovascular health can help lower the risk of other diseases.
“Lowering cardiovascular risk through healthy diet and exercise also reduces the risk of other autoimmune diseases and cancers,” Karve said. “Especially with certain cancers like breast cancer and colon cancer where there is a relationship with weight.”
Other tips that Karve said can help you stay on top of your heart health include:
- Going to your doctor regularly
- Having your blood pressure and cholesterol checked
- Get screened for diabetes
There is another test Karve said is gaining attention called the calcium score. The test measures calcium buildup in the coronary arteries and the score can determine whether a patient needs to take more preventative measures in taking care of their heart health.
Watch full interview with Dr. Amrita Karve in the video player below.
Feb. 7 is also National Wear Red Day, a movement through the American Heart Association to fight against heart disease and stroke. The association mentioned anyone can join in and wear an article of red clothing or even a red pin to help raise awareness.
To show your support, you can join the American Heart Association in wearing red by sharing your photos online of your red attire by posting #WearRedDay and #GoRedCbus.
