The American Heart Association has launched “Cherish Your Heartbeat,” a new public awareness campaign aimed at helping Lowcountry residents take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. The campaign is sponsored by MUSC Health.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with many key risk factors, including hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and diabetes, continuing to rise, according to data reported by the American Heart Association.
The public awareness campaign encourages the community to learn and monitor their key health numbers and work with a health care professional to develop a personalized plan. It also highlights how unmanaged risk factors can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
This message is especially critical in South Carolina, where approximately 1 in 3 adults have been told by a doctor they have hypertension, according to the South Carolina Department for Public Health. Many more have it and don’t know it.
“Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health,” said Anthony Poole, board chair of the American Heart Association, Charleston and director of quality assessment and performance improvement, MUSC Health. “When you understand your risk for heart attack or stroke, you can take meaningful steps to reduce it. Start by working with your health care team to create a plan that works for you.”
Many risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar, can be prevented or managed. Regular health screenings, appropriate medication management and healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, all play a critical role in reducing risk.
The “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will run through the fall, encouraging Lowcountry residents to prioritize their heart health by scheduling an appointment with a health care professional. In addition, individuals are urged to follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 to support health and well-being.
Take action today to cherish your heartbeat. Learn more at heart.org/risk