Have a Heart…and Keep It Healthy!
February is American Heart Month—a good time to assess your heart health and learn how to avoid cardiovascular disease—the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. Give yourself, and your sweetheart, the best possible valentine—the gift of a healthy heart.
Genesis has provided leading-edge heart care for over 35 years. Trust the Genesis Heart Institute for all you need to know to keep your heart happy for years to come.
Get the Facts
Did you know:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the U.S.
- Nearly 2,300 people in the U.S. die of cardiovascular diseases each day—that’s one death every 38 seconds.
- More than 38% of people who experience a heart attack in a given year will die of it.
- Heart disease kills more women in America than all forms of cancer combined, including breast cancer.
Take our Heart Quiz to test your heart knowledge.
Know the Warning Signs
Common symptions of heart attack may include:
- Chest pain, may radiate into arm
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Unconsciousness
Other symptoms that may occur in women include:
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
- Shortness of breath
- Pain that spreads to the shoulder, neck or arms
- Chest discomfort with light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
Get more information on heart attack symptoms.
What You Can Do
Here are some steps you can take to improve your heart health:
Get Active
Exercising as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Physical activity = living a longer, healthier life. Check exercise recommendations for your age.
Eat Healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet, including lowering fat and cholesterol intake, can help fight cardiovascular disease.
Learn more about a heart-healthy diet from the Genesis Heart Institute.
Use our Nutritional Needs Calculator to determine your specific daily nutritional needs.
Learn about Genesis Heart Institute’s Trans Fat Free Initiative.
Manage Your Blood Pressure
The single most significant risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure (or hypertension) can injure or kill you if not controlled. And it often shows no symptoms. The good news is it is highly treatable. Check your blood pressure often and check with your health care provider on how to control it.
Learn more from Genesis
Lose Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease.
Stop Smoking
Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, consider the many health benefits of quitting. Some experts consider it the single most important thing you can do to prevent heart disease.
Get more information on how to stop smoking.
Especially for Women
Although heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in this country, until recently it has been thought of as primarily a men’s disease. Women’s symptoms often differ from men’s and sometimes go unrecognized. That’s why it is so important for women to be vigilant about their own heart health and to learn to recognize warning signs.
Learn more about Heart Disease in Women and how to prevent it.
Let Genesis Help
For 35 years, Genesis has provided leading-edge heart care. Our heart attack response times rank among the best in the nation, and heart bypass surgery outcomes exceed the national average. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was recently named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Thomson Reuters for outstanding outcomes and efficiency.
Let us help you with your heart care needs.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association
