American Heart Health Month

Angelina Vu

February 28, 2023

February is American Health Heart month! This is the time for everyone to focus on their cardiovascular health. The CDC states that about 20.1 million adults aged 20 and older have CAD (about 7.2%). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality are increasing in working-age adults, and Black adults are among those bearing the highest burden of CVD and related health consequences, particularly in the United States (CDC). In addition, an increased risk of CVD and stroke among individuals with spinal cord injury has been identified, with the chance increasing with age. The use of a wheelchair as the sole means of mobility has a significant effect on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular function. The use of upper extremity muscles rather than larger lower extremity muscles uses less energy, making it more difficult for wheelchair users to maintain a healthy body mass index. The risk factors for chronic disease are more prevalent in persons with disabilities thus increasing the risk for secondary conditions including cardiovascular disease. Let’s discuss options for maintaining a healthy heart while having a physical disability. 

The first option is to get active! Heart-pumping physical activity not only helps to prevent cardiovascular disease but can also improve overall mental and physical health. The American Heart Association recommends five 30-minute moderate exercise sessions each week. Regular, daily physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease. Physical activity also helps control your weight. It can also reduce the chances of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Did you know? Disability Partnerships offers free and virtual adaptive exercise classes every week. We provide these exercise classes for the community with our Health and Wellness 4 All program. This program is designed to create and improve health and wellness opportunities and increase independence for persons with limited to no mobility. Health and Wellness 4 All provides solutions to critical health issues, including obesity, tobacco use, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, that persons with physical disabilities often face through our adaptive health and wellness classes and self-care programs. Our adaptive exercise classes include adaptive boxing, adaptive seated fitness, adaptive Zumba, and tai chi. Our personal trainers are certified and experienced in training persons with limited to no mobility. You can access our classes from anywhere in the United States. Register today at https://www.disabilitypartnerships.org/events.

Another option is to manage your blood pressure. We recommend you consult your doctor about what works best for you. Blood pressure is measured by recording two values: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between heartbeats. To effectively manage blood pressure, it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle choices such as consuming a healthier diet, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing sodium intake.Yes, even your diet can affect your blood pressure. It is essential to take all these factors into account and consult a professional for what is right for you.

Heart disease kills more than 600,000 Americans every year. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for Americans. By making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a well-balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and managing stress, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you are taking proactive steps to prioritize your heart health, you can increase your chances of living a long, healthy life. Take care of your health and well-being, and always get regular health screenings.

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