Heart disease is a serious—and, unfortunately, common—illness that sends hundreds of thousands of people to the hospital each year. The good news is that it’s preventable, especially if you eat right and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In honor of American Heart Month, here are some vital heart disease awareness tips that every person should know.

3 Heart Disease Facts 

1. It Doesn’t Happen Only to Older Adults

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly two in 10 deaths due to coronary heart disease occur in adults less than 65 years of age. Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unmanaged diabetes, and obesity can increase heart disease risk in younger individuals. Preventing and managing these conditions through diet, exercise, and regular doctor visits can reduce your risk.

2. Symptoms Are Wide-Ranging

Heart disease symptoms can vary from person to person, especially between men and women. For example, men often experience chest pains typically associated with heart attacks. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have chest pain combined with other, less obvious symptoms, including nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Awareness of all signs of a heart attack will help you seek care before your condition worsens.

3. Staying Active Is Essential

In addition to a healthy diet filled with vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy, regular exercise reduces heart disease risk. Only one in five adults meets the CDC’s physical activity guidelines. Many are too sedentary. For maximum heart-health benefits, engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, 75 to 300 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity a week, or a combination of the two.

If you or a loved one is experiencing heart issues, head to Monroe County Hospital & Clinics. For over a century, this full-service health care facility has been providing residents of Albia, IA, and surrounding communities with state-of-the-art medical services with 24/7 emergency room care, outpatient treatments, cardiac rehabilitation, and more. Visit their website for a full list of services, or call (641) 932-2134 to speak with a member of their health care team today.