Every year, Heart Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of cardiovascular well-being. According to HealthCentral, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with a life lost every 34 seconds. Many people may not realize they are at risk because high blood pressure and high cholesterol often have few clear symptoms.
Heart disease covers a range of conditions affecting the heart, arteries, and blood vessels. Both those newly diagnosed and those living with heart disease can take steps to manage their condition.
Dr. Steven W. Werns, M.D., director of cardiology at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), emphasized the role of exercise in improving cardiovascular health. “The benefits of exercise on cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes are well documented,” said Dr. Werns. “An exercise program can lead to decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol, and better control of diabetes, especially when combined with diet and weight loss.”
Kate Baird, MA, ACSM-CEP, CSCS, an exercise physiologist at HSS, highlighted that reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for heart health. “The thing that has the biggest impact on heart health is reducing sedentary time,” said Baird. “Exercise can be as easy as walking, whether that is powerwalking outside or simply walking around the office for 10 minutes if you’ve been sitting for two hours.”
Hospital for Special Surgery contributes to community health by offering specialized orthopedic care and advancing musculoskeletal research through its programs (official website). The hospital consistently ranks highly in orthopedics and has received multiple Magnet designations recognizing nursing excellence (official website). In addition to patient care focused on mobility improvement and quality of life enhancement, HSS advances research in orthopedic surgery and rheumatology (official website).
To read more about these insights during Heart Health Awareness Month visit healthcentral.com.
