February is American Heart Month! Last year on the blog we discussed basic heart health tips and explored the DASH diet, which can help with heart health. Today we’re going to take a look at heart disease.  

“Heart Disease” is pretty vague. What diseases are we talking about? 

• Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease 
• Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) 
• Heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects) 
• Heart valve disease 
• Disease of the heart muscle 
• Heart infection 

What are the risk factors for heart disease? 

• Age 
  • Men become at risk of heart disease at age 45 
  • Women become at risk of heart disease at age 55 
• Family history 
• Smoking 
• Poor diet, especially a diet high in fat, salt, sugar, and cholesterol. 
• High blood pressure 
• Obesity/being overweight 
• Being sedentary/not being active 
• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Stress 
• Poor dental care 

When should I see my doctor? 

• If you experience chest pain 
• If you experience shortness of breath 
• If you experience fainting 

Visit the Senior Resource Connect Senior Resource Directory to find health resources near you.