HERMISTON, Ore.-February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about heart disease, promote cardiovascular health and regular checkups, and encourage lifesaving actions, such as learning CPR.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, with one of every four deaths caused by heart disease in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“There are many common misconceptions about heart disease…one of the biggest is ‘I’d know if I had high blood pressure because there would be warning signs; I’d feel bad,’” said Board-Certified Cardiologist Dr. Courtney Virgilio, Medical Director of Cardiology at Good Shepherd Health Care System in Hermiston. “People unfortunately wait until they have bigger problems that untreated high blood pressure can cause, like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney damage.”
High blood pressure, known as the “silent killer,” is one of the leading causes of heart disease, affecting almost half of all adults in the United States, however, many don’t show symptoms, which increases the importance of regular checkups and testing to maintain heart health.
Get tested
“It’s very simple to just have your blood pressure checked at your local grocery store, pharmacy, or at your doctor’s office, and treating high blood pressure can reduce your risk for heart disease,” said Dr. Virgilio.
Between 7,600 and 7,800 Oregonians die from heart disease each year, and about 285,000 adults in Oregon have been diagnosed with heart conditions, including angina, heart attacks, and stroke, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
American Heart Month is a good reminder to schedule a heart health checkup, but how often someone should get checked depends on age and underlying risk factors for heart disease, such as family history.
“Establishing with a good primary care physician that you trust is the key to being on top of managing your risk factors, including your cardiac risk but also for your general health,” said Dr. Virgilio.
Get Active
American Heart Month is an opportunity to take simple, yet life-changing action for a stronger heart and healthier life, with two of the most effective being quitting smoking and getting active, according to Dr. Virgilio.
“Tobacco is a major modifiable risk factor for heart disease, among other health problems that tobacco causes,” said Dr. Virgilio. “Quitting tobacco reduces risk of both heart and lung disease, as well as lowers cancer risk.”
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone try to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and movement each week.
“By being active, you increase your likelihood of staying active over the course of what we hope is a long, healthy life,” said Dr. Virgilio.
More proactive steps to stay heart healthy
- Check Yourself: Regular checkups with your primary care provider and having your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screened can catch heart health issues early
- Check on Others: After checking your own blood pressure, ask a friend or loved one if they have checked theirs recently
- Stay Connected: Encourage others to eat right, get regular screenings and invite them on walks or to workout
- Eat Right: Reduce your sodium intake and try to eat more vegetables and lean proteins
- Drink Less: Cutting back on alcohol can lower blood pressure
Take Action this American Heart Month
While American Heart Month continues to be a call to take care of your heart health, it’s also an opportunity to help more people recognize emergencies and respond quickly by performing CPR and saving lives.
The American Heart Association’s (AHA) “You are the First Responder until Help Arrives” campaign encourages everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR this February.
CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival if performed immediately by those nearby in an emergency, according to the AHA.
CPR classes near you can be found online.
More information about Good Shepherd Cardiology is available online or by calling 541.667.3771
