Every year, over 17 million people die from heart disease. As a way to fight this, the World Heart Federation created World Heart Day. It’s an event held every year on September 29.
According to the World Heart Federation, “The heart is the only organ you can hear and feel. It is the first and last sign of life. It is one of the few things with the potential to unite all of us as people.”
People around the world can find events that raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) — its warning signs, the steps you can take to fight it, and how to help those around you who may be suffering. In the River Region, The Wellness Coalition offers HeartLink, a guided program that gives you the support you need to improve your heart health and fight heart disease.
Why HeartLink Matters
A 2018 CDC report showed Alabama has the 2nd highest cardiac death rate in the United States. CDC’s 500 Cities Project shows the City of Montgomery had higher prevalence than the nation on cardiovascular-related issues for adults 18 and older, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Participant results include improvements such as losing weight, reducing body mass index, lowering blood pressure and hemoglobin A1C levels, making healthier food choices, and exercising more.
How Does Heart Disease Affect Men?
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S.— about 1 in every 4 male deaths.
- Half of the men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
How Does Heart Disease Affect Women?
Despite increases in awareness over the past decades, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.— about 1 in every 5 female deaths.
- About 1 in 16 women age 20 and older (6.2%) have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease.
HeartLink Supports You
The Wellness Coalition is working to help prevent and manage cardiovascular disease through the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation’s Connections for Cardiovascular HealthSM program, HeartLink.
In this no-cost program, you can learn tools to manage and prevent chronic health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. You’ll also learn about:
- Healthy eating
- Safe physical activities
- Proper medication usage
- Communicating with your doctor
- Decision-making
- How to evaluate new treatments
- How to deal with difficult emotions
And more! Participants in this course will also be asked to make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they may encounter. Join HeartLink for free support today.