What's America's No. 1 Killer? Heart Disease

Each February marks the American Heart Association's (AHA) time to highlight an important medical problem in the United States, as well as other places in the world-heart disease. Statistics show that this is the number one killer of in America.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. That's around 1 in every 4 deaths, according to the health organization.

Hear disease also typically affects more men than women, though it is the leading cause of death for both sexes according to the CDC.

As National Wear Red Day was February 7^th, throughout the month, individuals are encouraged to raise awareness in the fight against heart disease for both women and men.

While both men and women are equally at a risk for heart disease, many health officials note that women are at an increased risk for the health issue with nearly 1,100 women dying each day from cardiovascular issues, according to yourhoustonnews.com. For instance, such pregnancy and menopause can greatly increase a woman's risk of heart disease due to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. 

While various genetic predispositions can put some individuals at an increased risk for heart disease, including age, menopause in women, and preeclampsia, otherwise known as a high blood pressure condition that may develop during pregnancy, there are other factors that can greatly influence an individual's risk of heart disease. Such factors include unhealthy diet, which may lead to high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity and sleep apnea, among other health issues.

Keeping an eye on various medical problems can help put things into perspective when considering certain steps you or loved ones may need to take in preventing or lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor today.