More than 19,000 Hoosiers died from cardiovascular disease in 2017, making heart disease the leading cause of death in Indiana. February is American Heart Month, and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) encourages all Hoosiers to use the observance as an incentive to lowering their risk of developing life-threatening heart disease. Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:
Watch your weight, which includes eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
Talk with your doctor about controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
Get active, because even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary.
For more information and resources, visit the Indiana State Department of Health website or the American Heart Association website.