Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, heart disease awareness can save lives.
In this brief article, learn why Heart Disease Awareness Month is a great reminder about what you can do to keep your heart healthy.
February: Heart Disease Awareness Month
February is dedicated to the Heart Disease Awareness.
Every year, millions of people are affected by heart disease, yet many don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late. Hence, Heart Disease Awareness Month was commenced — with a goal to educate, prevent, and show you why you should care. Heart Disease Awareness Month is a month to be reminded to take action. It is beginning of a new year and a good time to reflect on the importance of heart health. In addition, if you do not know yet, it is a great time to learn how to keep your heart healthy.
The First Friday in February: National Wear Red Day
Every first Friday in February, we observe National Wear Red Day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about heart disease in women, which remains one of the leading causes of death for women in the U.S. (Leading Causes of Death in Females | Women’s Health | CDC). Part of raising that awareness is also recognizing symptoms of a possible heart attack and seeking timely medical help.
My Journey with Women Heart Campaign and the Women’s Heart Center
Several years ago, I had the honor of being the physician face of the Women Heart Campaign, a role that remains a fond memory I deeply cherish.
At that time, our leadership, Foundation Board Members, and the Women Circle of Philanthropy embarked on an initiative to increase the screening and detection of heart disease, particularly in underserved women in our community. Together, we devoted time, resources, and raised funds to establish the Women’s Heart Center.
Indeed, the goal of the Women’s Heart Center was simple: to raise awareness, provide screenings, and ensure early prevention and diagnosis of heart disease in women.
Each year, on Wear Red Day, I’m reminded of the incredible team and the noble work we did together. It was truly a privilege to be part of such a meaningful effort.
Take Care of Your Cardiovascular Health
As we observe National Heart Health Awareness Month, here’s a gentle reminder on how to prioritize your heart health:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Don’t smoke
As a physician and a family caregiver with 25+ years of experience, I’ve seen many women—some as young as in their 30s—suffer heart attacks, often due to unrecognized risk factors for heart disease.
So, take care of your heart. Because, your heart matters.
My Young Female Patient With a Heart Attack
As an internist and inpatient hospital physician, I admit patients, both man and women, with chest pains and other heart complaints. Chest pain is one of the most common admitting diagnoses.
During one of my hospital evening shifts, I admitted a 47 years old woman with depression, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. Furthermore, she had blacked out and experienced chest pain. As a result, 911 was called and they brought her to the hospital.
In the hospital. she underwent an emergent coronary angiogram which revealed a 100% blockage in her LAD (Left Anterior Descending) coronary artery. Consequently, cardiologist on call successfully deployed DES stent to mid-LAD and D2 coronary artery branch. Indeed, stent placement restored blood flow (achieving TIMI-3 flow). After several days in the coronary care unit, we were able to discharge the patient. Her home medications included: Aspirin, Ticagrelor, high intensity statin, metoprolol as well as Synthroid and other outpatient medications.
That was only one of my young patients who unfortunately suffered a heart attack. She was fortunate to receive timely medical treatment and did well afterwards. However, many others are not as lucky.
Heart Disease: The Importance of Vigilance
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States:
• More than 30 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with heart disease.
• In 2022, over 700,00 adults died from heart disease. That is equivalent to 1 out of every 5 deaths.
• Every 33 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease, i.e. heart disease or stroke.
• In addition, in the United States, every 40 seconds someone has a heart attack.
Coronary Artery Disease
The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked.
- In regards to one year mortality: 26% of women vs. 19% of men will die within one year of a heart attack.
- 50% of women vs. 36% of men will either die, develop heart failure, or have a stroke within 5 years after a heart attack.
When it comes to the cardiovascular disease presentation, women often experience atypical symptoms and are frequently misdiagnosed. Therefore, vigilance is critical.
Women Heart Health Facts You Should Know
• Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 1 in 3 deaths in women every year.
• Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, accounting for about 1 in 5 deaths.
• Despite its prevalence, heart disease is largely preventable with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Here are some of the risk factors for heart disease to be aware of:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Poor diet (high in fat, salt, processed sugar, and cholesterol)
• Heavy alcohol use
How to Protect Your Heart Health: Heart Health Tips
So, how can you prevent heart disease? As we continue through the year, make it a point to stay on top of your preventative health checks. Here are some tips to help you protect your heart health:
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity daily (even a brisk walk counts).
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid food high in salt (sodium), trans fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, salt, and processed sugar.
- Check your blood pressure and cholesterol: Make sure it stays in a healthy range.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
- Ask your doctor if you should be tested for diabetes.
- Manage stress: Consider techniques like meditation, yoga, warm baths, or simply taking quiet time for yourself. Practice mindfulness. Cultivate gratitude.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Keep your body weight within a healthy range for your height. Lose weight if needed.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- If something doesn’t feel right, seek medical attention promptly.
Healthy Habits and Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Prevent Heart Disease
Many forms of heart disease can be prevented with healthy habits and making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Make heart health a priority: Set your heart health as a primary goal.
- Plan ahead: Incorporate heart-healthy habits into your daily routine.
- Start small: Begin with small steps, and don’t try to change everything at once.
- Have regular check-ups: Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels with routine visits to your doctor.
- Focus on what matters: Keep your health a priority, even on busy days.
- Persist: Stick with your heart-healthy habits for the long run.
Healthy habits make a difference for heart health and overall good health.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s raise awareness, take action, and improve heart health for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Remember, your heart matters. Taking care of your cardiovascular health can save your life — and it starts with small changes and regular check-ups. Let’s work together to make February Heart Disease Awareness Month a time for meaningful action. Wear red, spread the word, and let’s make a difference for improved heart health.
REFERENCES:
- John Gordon Harold. “The Evolution of American Heart Month.” Cardiology Magazine. American College of Cardiology. Feb 23 2017.
- Leading Causes of Death in Females. Leading Causes of Death in Females | Women’s Health | CDC. Last accessed February 7th 2025.
- Heart disease in the United States. Heart Disease Facts | Heart Disease | CDC Last accessed February 7th 2025.
Dr. Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, internist, hospitalist, healthcare & education innovator & Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA. She is a career mentor & advisor to numerous undergraduate, graduate & postgraduate students & faculty. As a researcher, Dr. Criley received awards from the National Institutes of Health & the U.S. Department of Education Her work focuses on creating research-driven #edtech games & digital media to improve health, civics, science education & promote healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md