As Jamaica observes Heart Month, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), a statutory body of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is encouraging Jamaicans to maintain a healthy heart to improve their overall well-being.

SERHA says embracing a healthy lifestyle at any age can prevent heart disease and lower one’s risk for a stroke or heart attack.

“Heart disease includes problems with your heart rhythm or pulse (arrhythmias), weakness or ineffective pumping of the heart muscle (heart failure, cardiomyopathy), narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply the heart (Ischemic heart disease or heart attack), and defects of the heart walls and valves, among other conditions,” it said.

Quoting data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SERHA says heart disease is the second-leading cause of death, and about one-in-five heart attacks are silent.

It is now calling on individuals to engage in healthy behaviours to reduce the incidence of severe heart conditions.

These include:

• Preparing meals that are balanced in nutrients. Lower your intake of salt, sugar and fat in meals.
• Know your numbers. Get screened for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, Body Mass Index and other health screenings so that you can be aware of your health status and receive early treatment.
• Quit smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol.
• Know your history. Family history and genetics play a role in the development of heart-related challenges. Do your research to find out if any of your older relatives from either side of the family have heart conditions.
• Get moving. Being physically active is a sure way to care for your heart. Exercise lowers blood pressure, strengthens heart muscles, and prevents the development of heart-related diseases.
• Sleep. According to the CDC, getting enough sleep is critical for your heart health. Sleeping less than seven hours each night increases the risk of a heart attack or heart disease. Take your sleep time seriously.