American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. While Americans of all backgrounds can be at risk for heart disease, African American men, especially those who live in the southeast region of the United States, are at the highest risk for heart disease. Additionally, more than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease.

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation: designating February as American Heart Month; inviting the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations designating February as American Heart Month; and urging the people of the United States to recognize the nationwide problem of heart and blood vessel diseases and to support all essential programs required to solve the problem. American Heart Month is a month-long United States observance established by 36 U.S.C. § 101.

Facts about Heart Disease:

Cardiovascular disease starts in your teens and 20’s. Autopsy reports from Korean War vets and Vietnam vets showed people just 18-20 years old had extensive coronary heart disease. The fact that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years clearly shows the urgency and seriousness of this growing health problem. While genetics plays a role, one international study found that 90% of the risks associated with heart disease are within our control (blood pressure, physical activity, smoking, diet).

Source: cdc.gov | healthfinder.gov | wellcast.org