Heart health is crucial to an individual’s overall well-being, which is why February is dedicated to educating people on the effects of good and bad heart health. As you may or may not know, the leading cause of death in America is heart disease, with an average of nearly 700 million Americans succumbing to it each year.
What are some of the things we can do to reduce this number? Good question! We’ve teamed up with the American Heart Association to help celebrate its 100 Years of Bold Hearts initiative. While celebrating the 100th anniversary of the AHA, we’ve put together this article to talk about who is more susceptible to developing heart disease, how symptoms vary from male to female, and how the AHA is helping to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
According to bhf.org, people with mobility issues are at a 35% higher risk for cardiovascular events compared to the general population. This is due to their limited amount of cardiovascular activity, resulting in obesity and developing diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, to ensure your heart is maintaining good health, 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) per week of moderate-intensity activity is recommended. Despite these challenges posed by limited mobility, there are several proactive steps mobility users can take to maintain good heart health.
First and foremost, maintaining a balanced diet by eating fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can support heart health. Incorporating chair exercises and physical activities tailored to individual abilities can help improve cardiovascular fitness. Staying consistent with prescribed medications and attending regular check-ups with healthcare providers are best practices for monitoring heart health.
Although mobility users are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, anyone can still become susceptible to heart disease regardless of age, mobility, or gender. However, it is important to note that gender will play a significant role in how you develop the disease and how you identify its symptoms. Women, for instance, may only experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea symptoms, while men may experience chest pain and discomfort. Understanding your unique body type and how you respond to things is critical to maintaining good health. But at any point in time, if you experience symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or swelling, seek immediate medical attention.
Whether you are or are not at risk for developing heart disease, it’s important to understand the role you play in the fight against heart disease. As part of the AHA’s 100th anniversary, they have a number of initiatives going on to help spread the word and reduce heart disease. Join their 100 Ways in 100 Days program to get exclusive information on healthy eating habits and improving overall well-being, take part in their double gift-giving initiative for Heart Month, participate in a walk, or become an AHA volunteer.
While individuals in wheelchairs may face unique challenges in maintaining heart health, it’s essential to remember that proactive steps can make a significant difference in your health. By staying informed of cardiovascular risks, recognizing symptoms, and adopting healthy habits, anyone and everyone can take control of their heart health and lead fulfilling lives. Let’s strive towards a heart-healthy future, one step at a time!
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