Audubon County Memorial Hospital and Clinics recognize February as American Heart Month. Heart disease can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa and nationwide.
The three main risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half the people in the United States, 47%, have at least one of these three risk factors.
Heart disease and stroke accounted for nearly one in four deaths in Iowa in 2020. Since lifestyle plays a significant role in heart health, making small changes can make a huge impact on health.
The CDC recommends seven strategies to live a heart-healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk of heart disease:
Learn Your Health History
Eat a Healthy Diet
Move More, Sit Less
Quit Smoking
Take Medicines as Directed
Rethink Your Drink
Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
For more about the CDC Seven Strategies, visit www.cdc.gov/heartdisease
Audubon County Memorial Hospital and Clinics recommends talking with your healthcare provider about your heart health.