Kirby Celebrates Heart Month

Kirby Celebrates Heart Month: Take Charge of Your Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on the importance of cardiovascular health and take proactive steps to prevent heart disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that many risk factors are within our control. By making healthy choices and staying informed, you can protect your heart and improve your overall well-being.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart valve problems. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and other serious complications.

Key risk factors:

• High blood pressure & cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Poor diet
• Excess alcohol
• Family history

Steps to a Healthier Heart

The good news is that many heart disease risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes. Here are some ways to prioritize your heart health:

1. Eat Heart-Healthy

• Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, and sodium.

2. Stay Active

• Set a goal of 150 min/week of moderate exercise or 75 min of vigorous activity.

3. Manage Stress

• Try deep breathing, mindfulness, and engaging in hobbies, as well as spending time with loved ones.

4. Know Your Numbers

• Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI.

5. Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake significantly reduces heart risks.

Show Your Heart Some Love

This Heart Month, take the time to assess your heart health and make positive changes. Small, consistent steps can lead to a stronger heart and a healthier life.

For more heart health resources, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, speak with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Your Heart Matters—Take Care of It!

Join us this February in prioritizing heart health and making informed choices that benefit you and those around you. Let’s work together to build a healthier future, one heartbeat at a time.

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CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring is a non-invasive way of identifying if, where, and how much calcified plaque is present in coronary arteries. The amount of calcium found during this test is expressed as a calcium score and helps determine your risk for stroke or heart attack.

Kirby offers Cardiac Heart Score CTs for $49. Please visit: Cardiac Heart Score CT | Kirby Medical Centerfor more information, or speak with your provider.