February Is American Heart Month

Keep the ABCS in mind every day and especially when you talk to your health care professional:

Appropriate Aspirin Therapy for those who need itBlood Pressure ControlCholesterol ManagementSmoking Cessation

Share your health history, get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask if taking an aspirin each day is right for you.

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. One in 3 U.S. adults has high blood pressure, and half of these individuals do not have their condition under control.

Similarly, high cholesterol affects 1 in 3 American adults, and two-thirds of these individuals do not have the condition under control. Half of adults with high cholesterol do not get treatment.

If your blood pressure or cholesterol is high, take steps to lower it. This could include eating a healthier diet, getting more exercise, and following your health care professional's instructions about medications you take.

Access videos and resources on this website to help you better understand high blood pressure and the steps you can take to prevent or treat it.

Sodium plays a part in your blood pressure?view an infographic to learn more.

What you eat has a big impact on your heart health. When planning your meals and snacks, try to:

Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.Check the labels on your food and select those with the lowest sodium. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure. View an infographic to learn more about sodium in your food.Limit foods with high amounts of saturated fat, transfat, and cholesterol. You can find this information on the Nutrition Facts label.Cook at home more often. Whenever possible, select foods that are low in sodium or have no salt added. Limit sauces, mixes, and "instant" products, including flavored rice and ready-made pasta.

Obesity can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. To keep your body at a healthy weight and to fight high blood pressure and cholesterol, make physical activity part of your daily routine. Try to fit in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. For example, you could take a brisk 10-minute walk 3 times a day, 5 days a week.

Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you're a smoker, quit as soon as possible, and if you don't smoke, don't start. You can also support smoke-free policies in your community and try to avoid secondhand smoke.

Many people with key risk factors for heart disease and stroke—such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol—do not know that they have these conditions, what blood pressure or cholesterol numbers are best for them, or how their high blood pressure or cholesterol could be more effectively controlled. Other barriers include:

Access to convenient, consistent, and affordable monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterolLack of continuity of careInadequate time with healthcare professionals to ask important questions and receive personalized adviceMedication expense, side effects, and habits around daily useNeed for community based strategies for healthier lifestyle choices such as reduced sodium and transfat and smoke free air policies