The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, urges Missourians to support the fight against heart disease by participating in American Heart Month and wearing red on National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 7.
According to a news release, heart disease is the leading cause of death in this state, taking the lives of 14,000 Missourians each year. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined. However, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented through lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and quitting smoking.
American Heart Month is a federally-designated event that takes place every February. During Heart Month, the American Heart Association encourages people to focus on their heart health and to inspire their family, friends and communities to do the same.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, with more than 17.6 million deaths each year. That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030; and stroke ranks second globally and is a leading cause of severe disability.