Love Yourself and Your Heart to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Author: Debbie Humphrey
If you are active on social media, text messages, or emails, you have likely used or seen heart emojis to indicate something is “loved.”
Hearts are also a primary decoration when celebrating Valentine’s Day, traditionally a romantic day for lovers.
In addition, celebrities, athletes, or others put their fingers together to form a heart, curling the index fingers at the top and the thumbs at the bottom, which is a way to share and show love. A simple gesture with a very special meaning…love.
During American Heart Month, hearts also serve as a reminder that February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and that we should all love ourselves and our hearts to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Heart disease continues to be a serious health concern across Florida. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the state, with an age-adjusted death rate of 151.3 deaths per 100,000 Floridians.
Closer to home, the numbers are even more concerning. In Pasco County, the heart disease death rate rises to 307 deaths per 100,000 adults aged 35 and older, more than double the statewide average. In Pinellas County, heart disease claims the lives of 272 adults per 100,000, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
What Is Heart Disease?
The Florida Department of Health explains that the most common form of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the small blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood become narrowed or blocked.
This narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis, a process in which fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up along the inner walls of arteries. Over time, these buildups—known as plaque—restrict blood flow and can rupture, forming a clot that may trigger a heart attack.
In addition to coronary artery disease, heart disease can also include conditions such as:
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Angina
- Aortic aneurysm and dissection
- Arrhythmias
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart failure
- Rheumatic heart disease
Understanding Risk Factors
The good news is that up to 80% of heart disease cases are preventable. That’s why it’s so important for aging adults to understand their personal risk factors and discuss them openly with their healthcare providers.
Common risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Elevated body mass index (BMI)
- High blood sugar
Senior women may face additional risk factors due to biological and life-stage differences, including:
- Pregnancy-related conditions such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes
- Early menopause
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Depression or anxiety
- Ongoing stress
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Breast cancer treated with radiation
Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease and has one or more risk factors, it’s critical to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, which may include:
- Pressure or discomfort in the chest
- Pain in the arms, back, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme or unusual fatigue
- Nausea or light-headedness
If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately or get to the nearest emergency room right away! Prompt treatment can save your life.
Love Yourself and Your Heart at Any Age
Heart health starts with everyday choices. The Florida Department of Health recommends the following steps to help prevent heart disease:
- Manage blood pressure
- Control cholesterol levels
- Reduce blood sugar
- Stay physically active
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Prioritize quality sleep
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products
- Take prescribed medications as directed
By taking a proactive approach, examining lifestyle habits, scheduling regular checkups, and making heart-healthy changes, aging adults can significantly reduce their risk and continue living full, active lives.
If you or a senior loved one has suffered a heart attack or manages some form of heart disease, show yourself some love and consider in-home care services, which may promote a healthier quality of life.
Home Helpers caregivers provide non-medical assistance and support with companion care, heart-healthy meal planning and preparation, medication reminders, recuperative care, personal care, homemaker services, respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, wellness calls, and more.
I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to complete an assessment so I can customize a care plan and match the perfect caregiver to make life easier.
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Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539