February is American Heart Month,a time to pay special attention to heart health, particularly for women. Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern for women, and on February 2, we wear red to raise awareness about this issue.
Source: New Mexico Department of Health Release
“We can encourage the women in our lives to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by adopting healthier lifestyles,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, New Mexico Department of Health Chief Medical Officer. “We are asking New Mexicans to wear red on Friday to spread understanding of heart disease and its impact on women’s lives.”
In 2021, heart disease was the leading cause of death in New Mexico. Many risk factors, like high blood pressure and cholesterol, can be managed or prevented with lifestyle changes and medication. The Department of Health’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program works with its partners, using a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, to promote healthy living to prevent and control these risk factors.
Drinking, smoking, and recreational drug use is linked to premature heart disease in young people, particularly younger women. Heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke. Excessive drinking can also lead to cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscles and an irregular heartbeat.
Smoking is a greater risk factor for women than it is for men. Any amount of smoking, even occasional smoking, can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels and cause plaque to build up in the arteries. For women who use birth control pills, smoking poses an even greater risk.
Even secondhand smoke can damage the heart and blood vessels of people who don’t smoke in the same ways that smoking causes damage to people who do.
Some additional simple steps everyone can take to improve heart health include:
Healthy eating:
- Choose whole grains.
- Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Select minimally processed foods.
- Cut down on salt.
Physical activity:
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity.
- Move throughout the day.
- Engage in moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening activity at least twice a week.
Fight stress:
- Plan ahead so you don’t have to rush.
- Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- Practice mindfulness to reduce stress.
For more information visit the DOH Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention website and the American Heart Association.
