Licking Memorial Health Systems

Licking Memorial Health Systems - Measurably different...for your health

Heart Health Month

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Physicians and cardiologists stress the importance of heart disease screenings due to the fact that 50 percent of all cardiac deaths due to disease in the heart's vessels occur in individuals with no prior history or symptoms of heart disease.

Although certain risk factors affect both men and women, such as high cholesterol and obesity, other factors may more significantly affect the development of heart disease in women. Risks that disproportionately affect women include mental stress and depression, smoking, inactivity, menopause, broken heart syndrome, and pregnancy complications.

Most cardiovascular diseases are preventable with education and healthy lifestyle changes. Leading cardiologists recommend controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, engaging in regular exercise, and receiving the proper amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

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