American Heart Month: Prioritizing Heart Health for a Stronger Future

February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and encouraging people to make heart-healthy choices. At Legacy Community Health, we recognize the importance of prevention, education, and access to care in reducing heart disease risks and improving overall well-being. Heart health is essential for everyone, but for women going through menopause, it becomes even more critical.

Heart Health Alert: Why Menopause Matters

Heart health is key to overall well-being, but as women approach and go through menopause, their risk of high blood pressure significantly increases.

The U.S. Office on Women’s Health highlights estrogen’s role in maintaining heart health. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, blood vessels become less flexible, making it harder for blood to flow smoothly. Weight gain and reduced physical activity can also contribute to rising blood pressure levels. By the time women reach post-menopause, about 75% of those over 60 are managing high blood pressure.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of blood against the vessel walls is too high, leading to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular monitoring is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Heart Health & Motherhood: A Critical Connection

Heart disease isn’t just a concern for older adults—it’s the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Pregnancy places added stress on the heart and circulatory system, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular complications, particularly for Black women, who face higher risks of pregnancy-related heart issues.

Over the last three decades, pregnancy-related deaths have risen 140%, with cardiovascular disease remaining the leading cause.

Understanding and managing heart health during and after pregnancy is essential for both mother and baby.

Legacy’s Commitment to Heart Health

The good news is that there are many ways to keep your heart strong. Legacy Community Health provides a diabetes and hypertension program to help patients manage their heart health.

Qualified patients diagnosed with both conditions can receive a blood pressure cuff to monitor their readings at home. Free support from health educators and pharmacists is also available to help with hypertension management. To learn more about this program or to schedule an appointment with a Legacy healthcare provider, call 832-548-5000 today.

At Legacy Community Health, we understand that heart health is not one-size-fits-all. Our team is committed to providing personalized care, education, and support to help women take charge of their cardiovascular well-being. Legacy doctors recommend these essential tips for preventing heart problems:

• Get your cholesterol checked at least once every five years.
• Monitor your blood pressure yearly if you’re 40+ or have risk factors like obesity or a family history of hypertension.
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day to strengthen your heart.
• Manage diabetes by following your doctor’s recommendations.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet and avoid processed foods.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your heart.

Family history is important. If you’ve had family members who suffered from heart disease or stroke, you’re at a higher risk.

Protecting Future Generations

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but with awareness and proactive care, we can change that. By prioritizing heart health today, we create a healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

If you’re ready to take control of your heart health, Legacy Community Health is here to support you every step of the way. Call 832-548-5000 to schedule your checkup and take the first step toward a healthier heart!