Weekly Column: February--Heart Month

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in Idaho and in the United States.  We all likely have a family member or friend impacted by heart disease, or maybe you are struggling with it yourself and working hard to reduce its risk.  I am once again co-leading the introduction of a resolution designating February 2025 as “American Heart Month” to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to fighting cardiovascular disease.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) explains, “Heart disease refers to many different heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure.”  Further, DHW reports in 2021:

• 3,430 Idaho residents died from heart disease;
• 752 Idaho residents died from a stroke;
• 432,264 Idaho adults reported their health care provider told them they have high blood pressure (72.8 percent of whom are on a blood pressure medication); and
• 360,827 Idaho adults reported their health care provider told them they have high cholesterol.

The resolution I am co-leading includes a list of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) while also recognizing the importance of steps to decrease risks.  The contributors to cardiovascular disease include:

• high blood pressure;
• high blood cholesterol;
• poor diet;
• exposure to nicotine;
• physical inactivity;
• poor habitual sleep;
• obesity; and
• diabetes mellitus.

However, “an individual can greatly reduce the risk of CVD through lifestyle modifications coupled with medical treatment when necessary,” and “greater awareness and early detection of risk factors for CVD can improve and save the lives of thousands of individuals in the United States each year.”  Health-focused habits to prevent or lower the risk of heart disease include maintaining a healthy diet (choosing foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol; and regular, brisk exercise.  Being aware of your hereditary predisposition to heart disease and knowing your cholesterol levels and blood pressure also help when making lifestyle choices.

In the resolution, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease by supporting research, improving access to affordable, quality care to reduce long-term disability and mortality, and recognizing and championing efforts to address the long-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular health and mortality rates.  This American Heart Month, a time when many national, state and local agencies and organizations work to educate the public, individuals in the U.S. are also encouraged to learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease. 

We can all make changes to our lifestyle that will decrease our risk of heart disease, as well as the risk to our family members.  Living a healthy life encourages those around you, including young children, to do the same.  They see the results of your investment in your health.  As co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, I encourage individuals to make this month and the rest of 2025 a time to improve their health, both for themselves and their family.  You can learn more about heart disease and resources to reduce risk at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/heart-disease.

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