February is American Heart Month and a new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that even though heart attacks are increasingly common in younger people, many don’t believe they are at risk for heart disease.
The survey – which was conducted online among more than 2,000 Americans age 18 and older – found 47% of those under age 45 don’t think they are at risk for heart disease.
In Ohio State’s survey, 46% of adults under age 35 said they don’t believe high blood pressure is a health risk for them.
Ohio State’s study also found about a third of those surveyed weren’t confident they would know if they were having a heart attack. Recognizing even the most subtle signs of a heart attack and seeking immediate care can be lifesaving, said Dr. Laxmi Mehta, director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health, Chief Wellbeing Liaison and professor of Internal Medicine at the College of Medicine.
Other results of Ohio State’s survey found that 67% of respondents reported getting at least 2 ½ hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or biking, and 93% said they were aware that getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night was important for their heart health. Exercise and healthy sleep are part of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which are key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Other factors are eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and vaping, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers in a healthy range.
Having yearly checkups with a primary care physician is also important to prevent and manage health conditions.
