February is American Heart Month. HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is recognizing heart disease and hoping to increase awareness of its effects throughout the month. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Symptoms can vary widely. Some heart disease goes undetected until an event like a heart attack or sudden death. Doctors warn to always take preventative measures.

Some measures that you can take include watching your weight, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure, drinking alcohol in moderation if you do drink, and getting active and eating healthy. 

Simple things like regular exercise, walking, and getting a support group can go a long way towards your fight against heart disease.  For more information contact HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, or talk to your physician.