GREENSBORO, N.C. — February is American Heart Month, which is a time for every to focus on their cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and the leading cause of death worldwide.
A new report from the AHA shows that in 2019, 18.6 million people across the globe died of cardiovascular disease. This is a 17% increase over the past decade.
According to Cone Health, heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death and disability in North Carolina. It offers a variety of treatments and tests to help those with heart conditions. One of those services is cardiac imaging.
Cone Health’s Heart Scan Calcium Test checks for calcium, or plaque, buildup in your coronary arteries. Calcified plaque may lead to a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or indicate early coronary artery disease.
This test is recommended for individuals aged 40-75 who:
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Have abnormally high blood cholesterol levels
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Smoke
- Are overweight or obese
- Do not exercise regularly
A healthy lifestyle is one way doctors say you can stay heart-healthy. Doctors with Cone Health offer 10 steps to a healthy life:
1. Visit your primary care provider regularly
2. Take care of your mental health & make time for family and friends
3. Take medications as directed by your provider
4. Maintain a healthy weight and a trim waistline
5. Eat healthy meals and snacks, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
6. Get moving every day- aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week
7. Don't smoke
8. Avoid alcohol or drink only moderate amounts
9. Manage stress through prayer, meditation, or mindful relaxation
10. Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
Cone Health offers resources to help you quit smoking, vaping, chewing, or dipping. You can find those here.