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It’s American Heart Month. What can you do to protect your heart?

Cardiovascular disease is our nation's number one killer. Since 1963, the U.S. Congress has required the president to proclaim every February as “American Heart Month” in order to help urge everyone to join the battle against this disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about every 25 seconds, an American will suffer a heart attack. While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before calling 9-1-1 to get help.

Know how to spot signs and symptoms

The major signs of a heart attack are chest pain or discomfort; pain in the arm or shoulder; pain in the jaw, neck or back; shortness of breath; and feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. Although the most commonly experienced symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, pain in the back or jaw, breaking out in a cold sweat or nausea. Women also are more likely than men to delay seeking emergency treatment for a heart attack. Receiving immediate treatment substantially increases the chance of surviving a heart attack.

Diseases and conditions that put your heart at risk or increase your risk of death or disability include arrhythmia, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco, and second-hand smoke are also risk factors associated with heart disease. For a full list of disease and conditions along with risk factors and other health information associated with heart disease, visit the American Heart Association at http://www.americanheart.org

The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by controlling your diet and exercise regimen. Here are some helpful tips to maintain a healthy heart:

• Exercise daily to maintain a proper body weight
• Make informed choices by reading food labels very carefully
• Limit your consumption of junk foods low in nutrients and high in calories
• Strictly limit the amount of your salt intake
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day
• Plan ahead by preparing healthy snacks and meals 

People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future. For more information on heart disease and stroke, visit CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov

What steps do you take to keep your heart healthy?