Don't Go Breaking Your Heart.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February, so it only seems fitting that it would also be national American Heart Month. And, while those red-satin, chocolate filled hearts are a welcomed indulgence for most of us - ironically, because diet plays a major role in the contraction of heart disease - it could make those thoughtful boxes of sweets, anything but a treat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease poses a major health problem in this country, with roughly 715,000 Americans having a heart attack each year, and 600,000 of them dying from it. In simple math, heart disease constitutes 1 out of 4 deaths.

The Uptick re: Heart Disease

The good news is that while heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, it IS indeed preventable AND controllable. By taking the small steps below, as provided by the CDC, many common types of coronary or cardiovascular disease can be better managed and/or possibly prevented.

Healthy Heart Plan

Eat a healthy diet - Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans-fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet also can lower your blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight - To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person's body fat. If you know your weight and height, you can calculate your BMI at CDC's Assessing Your Weight Web site.

Exercise regularly - Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

Monitor your blood pressure - High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office.

Don't smoke - Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.

Limit alcohol use - Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.

Have your cholesterol checked - Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test.

Manage your diabetes - If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options.

Take your medicine - If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something.

The CDC believes that together, Americans can prevent heart disease one step at a time. So, maybe this year for Valentines Day, instead of giving your loved one a 1 lb. box of chocolate goodies, you can give him or her the gift of sneakers or a gym membership instead, so that they can take those very first strides.

For more ideas otherwise about how to improve your heart health, please visit the CDC’s full page of tips by clicking here.