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Department of Public Health of South Carolina
Photo: Public Health Department of South Carolina
Columbia, SC (Wolo) – The Southern Carolina Public Health Department (SCDPH) encourages South Carolinians to live a hearty cardiac lifestyle.
As the American heart month is celebrated in February, SCDPH reminds residents that it is important to maintain good habits that strengthen a strong and healthy heart.
US heart month is a national campaign that highlights cardiovascular health.
SCDPH says heart disease is the main cause of death and disability in the United States, with 702,880 people who die from the disease in 2022.
Heart disease was also the main cause of death in South Carolina in 2022, with 12,014 South Carolinians who died from the disease that year.
Obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking are major risk factors for heart disease, and almost three -quarters of South Carolina adults have one or more risk factors, according to DPH.
According to officials, nearly 75% of women aged 20 to 39 have one or more modifiable risk factors.
In southern Carolina, cardiac disease was 27% higher for African Americans compared to whites in 2021.
Tips for a healthy heart include:
- Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking, vaping and using tobacco products.
- Eat a healthy food in fat, cholesterol and salt.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Move more; At least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Get regular health screening for cholesterol and blood pressure.
- If you suffer from diabetes, take measures to manage it.
- Take your medication (if applicable) as indicated by your supplier.
DPH encourages everyone in South Carolina to start at least one new healthy habit this year.
To find out more about heart disease, visit DPH heart disease web pageOr cdc.gov/heart-