This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love and hearts, which makes it the perfect time to remember to check your own heart health, and the heart health of your loved ones. February is also National Heart Month; what if instead of handing out Valentines, this year you express your love by encouraging your friends and family to focus on their heart health?
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease which is when the arteries in the body become narrow with plaque build up. This increases the likelihood of a heart attack.
Some people are prone to heart disease based on their genetics. If you have family members with heart disease, you are more likely to get heart disease too. But there are other risk factors based on lifestyle such as being overweight, not exercising, eating a poor diet, and smoking. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are also signs that you are at risk.
Whether you are at risk due to genetics or lifestyle choices, it is important to know that there are things you can do to lower your risk. Losing weight, exercising, healthy eating, and quitting smoking will all reduce the risk of heart disease. You can also take medications that will help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Heart Healthy Valentines
Changing your lifestyle can lower your risk so consider giving your valentine something that will help them be healthier.
Some heart healthy gift ideas are:
a gym membership
a date at a local nature preserve
a heart healthy meal such as salmon and roasted vegetables
a pact to quit smoking together
a heart healthy cooking class
See a Doctor
You should also encourage your loved ones to check with their doctor about their heart health. Regular screenings with a physician can help you learn about problems in time to make a change. A doctor will be able to check blood pressure and order a cholesterol screening and other tests. The results will help them determine your heart health and what options you have to lower your risk of heart disease. They may be able to prescribe medications that will help lower your cholesterol or blood pressure and can give you specific advice about lifestyle changes that will help you.
Sometimes people avoid seeing their doctor because they of the cost of medications they may need. If you or a loved one need a prescription but don't have insurance or can't afford it, use a free RefillWise card to save up to 80% at the pharmacy and earn cash rewards. You can save on medicines that lower blood pressure and cholesterol or help you quit smoking, and your cash rewards maybe used for anything in the store — like heart-healthy dark chocolate for your sweetie. What's not to love?
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