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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 30

February is National Heart Health

Awareness Month; Prevention & early

detection is the key to saving lives

DR. TUSHAR B. PATEL

Knowledge, Prevention, and
Early Action Save Lives

ccording to the Centers for
Disease Control and Preven-
Ation (CDC), heart disease re-
mains the leading cause of death in
the United States. February is ded-
icated to raising awareness about
heart disease, educating on dangers,
recognizing warning signs, and taking
steps toward better heart health.
Heart Disease by the
Numbers
The impact of heart disease is staggering:
• Heart disease remains the leading
cause of death in the U.S. in 2023.
Cardiovascular diseases (including
heart disease and stroke) account-
ed for 919,032 deaths — a rate of
about 1 death every 34 seconds.
Heart disease by itself is the largest
contributor within this category.
• Heart disease is still the #1 cause
of death for both men and wom-
en. While detailed sex breakdowns
for 2023 aren’t always published in lost productivity and indirect costs factors for heart disease: a week.
summary tables, historically more are higher). • High blood pressure 4. Don’t smoke. If you do, quit as
than half of heart disease deaths Warning Signs of Heart • High LDL (bad) cholesterol soon as possible. For help, visit
occur in men. Disease • Smoking smokefree.gov or cdc.gov/tobacco.
• The most common form of heart Early recognition and quick ac- Other conditions and lifestyle factors A Final Reminder
disease, coronary heart disease tion can save lives. Many sudden that increase risk include: Prevention is the best approach
(CHD), caused about 349,470 cardiac deaths occur outside hospi- • Diabetes to heart disease. It reduces long-
deaths in 2023 (down from prior tals, often because warning signs are • Overweight and obesity term complications and helps you
years). • Poor diet
• Approximately 805,000 Americans ignored or misunderstood. • Physical inactivity live a healthier, more productive life.
If you or a loved one experi-
Common symptoms include:
have a heart attack each year — • Chest pain or discomfort • Excessive alcohol use ences chest pain, excessive sweat-
with about 605,000 first-time heart • Pain or discomfort in the arms, Good News: Heart Disease Is ing, shortness of breath, or any
attacks and 200,000 recurrent back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach suspected heart-related symptoms,
heart attacks. Often Preventable
• Someone in the U.S. has a heart at- • Shortness of breath The silver lining is that heart dis- do not drive to the hospital—call
• Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold
911 immediately. The sooner med-
tack about every 40 seconds before sweats ease risk can be significantly reduced. ical care begins, the better the
you finish reading this article, and 1 Most people associate heart at- Here are four effective ways to pro- chances of survival and recovery.
in 5 heart attacks is silent (meaning tacks only with chest pain, but know- tect yourself and your loved ones: This February, let’s commit to
the person doesn’t recognize it at ing all the symptoms—and calling 911 1. Consult your doctor regularly, fol- heart health. What you’ve learned
the time). low medical advice, and take pre-
• Heart disease remains extremely immediately—is what truly saves lives. scribed medications as directed. today could save a life—possibly
your own or someone you love.
Remember: Knowledge is power.
costly: total cardiovascular dis- Acting early matters. 2. Eat a heart-healthy diet—low in
ease (including heart disease and salt, total fat, saturated fat, and Source: Centers for Disease Control
stroke) cost the U.S. about $168 Risk Factors You Should cholesterol, and rich in fresh fruits
billion in 2022, including health- Know and vegetables. and Prevention (CDC)
care services and medications (and About half of all Americans have 3. Exercise regularly, such as a brisk Dr. Tushar B. Patel is President of
broader cost estimates including at least one of the three major risk 30-minute walk, at least five days Health Camp of New Jersey

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