CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County Health Department would like to increase awareness and education of heart disease in the community. February is American Heart Month.

This is a great time to learn more about heart disease and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is the most deadly disease in America, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S.

Certain heart disease risk factors that cannot be changed include but are not limited to age, gender, family history and ethnicity. However, risk factors that can be changed include maintaining a healthy weight, smoking cessation, reducing and monitoring blood pressure, increasing physical exercise, and reducing and monitoring blood cholesterol levels.

Some may not be aware that blood pressure levels have been updated. According to the CDC:

• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.

• At Risk (Prehypertension) is 120-139/80-89.

• High blood pressure is greater than 140-90.

If your blood pressure readings are consistently higher than normal contact your health care provider for further recommendations. Healthy eating and regular exercise can help lower blood pressure. By lowering your blood pressure you are lowering your risk for heart disease. In an effort to raise awareness of cardiac events here are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack according to the CDC:

• Chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few minutes.