Each month the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (part of the US Department of Health and Human Services) selects National Health Observances (NHOs) that highlight issues affecting health across the nation.
One of the highlights in February is heart health.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsors American Heart Month each February to raise awareness about heart disease and ways people can keep their heart healthy.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Overweight or obesity
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Arm, jaw, neck, back, or upper abdominal pain
- Sweating
What are the most commonly prescribed medications for preventing heart attacks?
There are several medications that are commonly prescribed to prevent heart attacks in people who are at high risk for heart disease but have not yet had a heart attack. Some of these medications include:- Aspirin: Aspirin helps to prevent blood clots from forming, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
- Statins: Statins are a class of medications that lower cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Blood pressure-lowering medications: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, and blood pressure-lowering medications are often prescribed, such as:
- ACE inhibitors
- ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) such as Entresto, Micardis, Atacand, Cozaar, Diovan HCT, Edarbi, Avapro, Exforge.
- Beta-blockers such as Zebeta
- thiazide diuretics that can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, such as Xarelto, Esedrix, Moduret
- antiplatelet drugs: that can help prevent blood clots from forming and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, such as Pradaxa, Brilinta, Plavix, Persantine
- Fibrates that can lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease, including Tricor, Bezalip.
What about lifestyle changes?
Lifestyle changes that can help improve heart health include:- Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Exercising regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking or quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing stress through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
- Getting enough sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels through medication, as prescribed by a doctor
- Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Manage Blood Pressure
- Control Cholesterol
- Lower Blood Sugar
- Be More Active
- Eat Better
- Lose Weight
- Quit Smoking
- Get Better Sleep
