February is dedicated to issues of the heart in more ways than one. In addition to Valentine's Day, February is American Heart Health Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. In fact, in 2022, heart disease accounted for 702,880 deaths in the United States.
The heart is a vital organ in the body. It is a powerhouse muscle that pumps blood throughout the entire body and ensures that nutrients and oxygen are delivered to our organs and tissue so that they may properly function. Since the heart plays such an important role, maintaining good heart health is crucial to a long and healthy life. “Incorporating healthy habits into our daily routine can help keep our heart healthy and reduce our risk of heart disease,” said Amy Valdez, Extension Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
According to the American Heart Association, individuals who intend to make heart healthy changes to protect their hearts and reduce their risk should: Eat a heart-healthy diet.
