By: Teresa Ramos, M.D.

February is American Heart Month, a month promoting heart health, but why February? It could be that the St. Valentine’s Day heart symbol is at the top of everyone’s mind. Or perhaps, it’s because the best way to show your loved ones how much you care about them is by keeping your heart happy and healthy? Whatever the reason, heart health is something to take seriously, and why not consider it in February?

According to the America Heart Association (AHA), about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year; that means 1 in every 4 deaths are associated to heart disease. There are many factors that contribute to heart disease such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. The good news is that there are steps you can take to manage these contributors.

Another alarming statistic from the AHA is that 30 percent of deaths among Latinos are related to Cardiovascular Disease (CVC). What’s more alarming is that several studies discovered that Latinas are the group of women least likely to recognize risk factors for heart disease. Education is the key to prevention, and there are ways you can avoid being part of that statistic.

• Work with your primary care doctor and get a checkup at least once each year, even if you feel healthy. A doctor, nurse, or other health care professional can check for conditions that put you at risk for CVC, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions that often go unnoticed for far too long. Monitor your blood pressure since it can be a silent killer that has no outward symptoms. You can check it on a regular basis at your home, at a pharmacy, or a doctor’s office. Keep track of your cholesterol. You should have your cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years.
• Another way to maintain your heart health is by eating a healthy diet. Limiting sodium in your diet can lower your blood pressure. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables — adults should have at least five servings each day –,means you’re taking more foods in that are low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and are high in fiber.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, health care professionals calculate a number called body mass index (BMI). Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and that can be as simple as walking more instead of driving. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity activity for at least 25minutes per day.
• Don’t smoke and limit your alcohol use. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease, and too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.
• If you have diabetes, manage it. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options. Be sure to take your medications. If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or another condition, follow the instructions carefully, and always ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Lastly, with access to proper health care that comes with enrolling in a health insurance plan like expanded Medicaid or a private health plan, you can take advantage of preventative care options, like health screenings that are covered 100 percent. Haven’t done anything about signing up for coverage yet? There’s still time! The enrollment deadline is on February 15th so don’t delay. Remember to re-dedicate this month to your heart, and show it some love. Your loved ones will in turn love you for it.

Teresa Ramos M.D. is currently a Medical Director at Health Care Service Corporation, Enterprise Medical Operations, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Dr. Ramos is board certified in Internal Medicine. She practiced and taught medicine for over 20 years prior to joining the health insurance industry.