Take Special Care of Your Heart

During American Heart Month, and always, we want to make sure you and your loved ones are taking care of their hearts.

Nearly 6 million Americans are living with heart failure, one of the most common diseases in the U.S. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart can’t pump blood efficiently enough.

Heart failure is more common in:

  • People who are age 65 or older. Aging can weaken the heart muscle.
  • Blacks are more likely to have heart failure than people of other races. They’re also more likely to have symptoms at a younger age and die from heart failure.
  • People who are overweight. Excess weight puts strain on the heart.
  • People who have had a heart attack. Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack and can weaken the heart muscle.

Preventing heart failure is possible, but doing so means more than losing a few pounds. The sooner you start to take preventative steps, the better your chances of delaying the condition, according to the National Institutes of Health’s Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

To reduce your risk of heart disease:

  • Avoid using illegal drugs.
  • Limit your sodium, saturated fat, transfat and sugar intake.
  • Manage stress.
  • Be physically active.
  • Quit smoking.

If you have a family history of heart failure or have other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that put you at risk, you also should:

  • See your physician for ongoing care and any new physical activity regimens you are thinking of beginning. (To find a cardiologist or primary care physician, visit our Physician Directory.)
  • Make sure any conditions you have are in control. Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

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