February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Ohio and the United States for both men and women. In 2023, it took the lives of almost 30,000 Ohioans, making Ohio the 12th highest state for the age-adjusted rate of heart disease deaths.

"Heart disease and its connection to many other chronic diseases has a profound impact on Ohioans," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). "That's why it's important to prioritize heart health and talk to your healthcare provider about a plan to minimize the risks."

Contributing Factors

While many risk factors are modifiable, genetics, age, and a family history of heart disease can also contribute to overall risks. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the biggest risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. In Ohio, more than a third (37.2%) of adults have been diagnosed with hypertension. Additional risks include:

• High cholesterol.
• Prediabetes or diabetes.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Tobacco use, including vaping.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends all adults (18 years of age or older) be screened annually for hypertension. It is important to discuss blood pressure monitoring with your primary care provider, but blood pressure can be easily monitored and managed at home.

Use an accurate blood pressure cuff, maintain proper form, and work with your provider on understanding what your blood pressure goals are and how to manage your blood pressure. More information on home blood pressure management can be found on the American Heart Association's website.

There are many ways to lower your risk of developing heart disease. In addition to meeting with your primary care provider regularly, it is important to:

• Understand and address your risk factors.
• Get enough exercise. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of activities that get your heart pumping, like brisk walking, and two days of muscle strengthening activities.
• Eat a healthy diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean and unprocessed proteins. Foods should also be prepared with little to no salt and added sugars.
• Get enough sleep. Adults should aim for at least seven hours each night.
• Stop tobacco use. The Ohio Tobacco Quit Line is available for free cessation coaching.
• Limit alcohol to less than one drink per day for women, and less than two drinks per day for men.

Start Small

Making healthy changes can feel overwhelming, so why not start small?

Incorporating simple, positive steps into your daily routine can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle. One great strategy is habit stacking - connecting a new habit to an existing one. Think of it as "stacking" one habit on top of another.

For example, if your daily habit is making coffee or tea, use the brewing time to wash and slice vegetables for a snack later on.

Scheduling preventive care with your doctor can give your healthcare team the right information to help you manage and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. More information can be found on our webpage, Patient Resources to Manage Hypertension.

"Creating a plan with your provider is a great line of defense for heart conditions," said Dr. DiOrio.

ODH has programs that assist in education and cardiovascular screenings, including one that offers free cardiovascular risk screenings to eligible women across Ohio. See our Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program.

Taking control of your heart health can start today. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and discuss ways to live a heart-healthy life and how to prevent or manage your risk.

Additional resources on heart disease and heart health include: