February Is American Heart Health Month: Cardiologist Shares Prevention Tips for Heart Disease

Far Rockaway, New York, February 3, 2026 — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person in the United States dies from heart disease every 34 seconds. Worldwide, cardiovascular disease claims approximately 17.9 million lives each year, a number expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

In recognition of American Heart Health Month, Dr. Dheeraj Khurana, Chief of Cardiology at Episcopal Health Services discusses the realities of heart disease, who is most at risk, and practical steps individuals can take to protect their heart health.

Heart Disease Prevention Tips

Dr. Khurana recommends the following steps to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

• Stop smoking: Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States.
• Manage weight and vital health markers: Maintaining a healthy weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is critical for heart health.
• Stay physically active: The American Heart Association recommends at least five 30-minute sessions of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, jogging, biking, or swimming.
• Get screened for diabetes: Untreated diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease but can be detected with a simple blood test and managed with medical care.
• Eat smart: Reducing junk food and incorporating heart-healthy “superfoods” like salmon, nuts, and berries may help lower cardiovascular risk.
• Prioritize sleep: Getting at least seven hours of sleep per night helps restore the body, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Key Facts About Cardiovascular Disease

• Approximately 805,000 people in the United States experience a heart attack each year.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., including African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and white men.
• For women, heart disease is the second leading cause of death, after cancer.
• About 1 in 20 adults age 20 and older have coronary artery disease.
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are among the leading risk factors for heart disease.