COLUMBIA, SC – February is American Coronary heart Month and the South Carolina Division of Well being and Environmental Management (DHEC) reminds residents how essential it’s to take care of optimistic habits that construct a powerful, wholesome coronary heart.
American Coronary heart Month is a nationwide marketing campaign that highlights cardiovascular (coronary heart) well being. Coronary heart illness is the main explanation for loss of life and incapacity in the USA; About 695,000 People die from coronary heart illness annually. Coronary heart illness was the main explanation for loss of life in South Carolina in 2021, and 12,210 South Carolinians died from coronary heart illness that yr.
Disparities exist in coronary heart well being outcomes, with African People going through the next threat of creating ischemic coronary heart illness (decreased blood circulation and oxygen to the guts muscle) in comparison with whites. In South Carolina, deaths from coronary heart illness have been 27% larger amongst non-Hispanic blacks in comparison with non-Hispanic whites in 2021.
African People in South Carolina have been additionally extra more likely to have sure threat elements for coronary heart illness, similar to hypertension and diabetes, in addition to being obese and having a sedentary way of life.
“The disparities we see throughout our state in coronary heart well being outcomes are regarding and we need to do every part we are able to to offer info, instruments and entry to sources that assist all South Carolinians enhance their coronary heart well being,” he mentioned Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC director. “There are steps every of us can take to enhance our coronary heart well being and I encourage all of our residents to begin at the least one new heart-healthy behavior this yr.”
Weight problems, hypertension, excessive ldl cholesterol, diabetes and smoking are main threat elements for coronary heart illness, and practically three-quarters of South Carolina adults have a number of threat elements.
Suggestions for a wholesome coronary heart embody:
• Stop smoking or vaping and utilizing tobacco merchandise.
• Preserve a wholesome weight.
• Get common well being checkups to examine for ldl cholesterol and blood stress.