(Submitted by Atchison County Health Department)

Every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. Heart Disease is the number one cause of death for most groups in the United States. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, and excessive alcohol use.

At what age does heart disease start?

The warning signs of heart disease can start as early as 18 years. Red flags such as high blood pressure should be taken seriously. Healthy habits such as staying active, eating a healthy diet, and watching your weight should be adopted.

Interesting facts about heart health

• Heart attacks can be silent. One in five heart attacks occur without the person knowing they had one.

• Common symptoms for a heart attack include chest pain/pressure, nausea, discomfort in the arm or shoulder, back, neck, and jaw pain, feeling weak or faint and difficulty breathing.

• Women under the age of 50 are at higher risk of heart attacks as men in the same age group. Women can experience more subtle symptoms than men for a heart attack. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, feeling weak or faint, back or jaw pain, and shortness of breath.

• Heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday mornings than any other day of the week.

How can I keep my heart healthy?

You can reduce your risk of heart disease by: eating a healthy diet (vegetables, fruits, lean meats, eggs, nuts, and seeds); limiting sodium, saturated fat, added sugars, and alcohol; quitting smoking; engaging in regular physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you are worried you may be at risk for heart disease, get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked and make adjustments to your diet.

This Friday, February 7, wear red as a way to show support for the awareness of heart disease!

(SOURCE: nationaltoday.com and National Heart, blood and lung Institute – www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living/risks)