Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and having high blood pressure (also called hypertension) increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, up to 80% of heart disease is preventable.

February is recognized as American Heart Month and this month, and year-round, the university offers programs and resources that can help reduce your risk of hypertension and heart disease. Below are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Get moving

Experts recommend being physically active most days of the week. Move more taking a free live-stream MHealthy exercise and relaxation classes on Workplace. Classes are offered Monday - Friday to university faculty and staff.

Eat healthfully and reduce your sodium intake

Eating healthier can help to reduce our risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which can raise your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Additionally, too much sodium may cause your body to hold on to extra water, which can raise blood pressure and force your heart and kidneys to work harder.

To help you eat smarter, MHealthy offers a number of resources, including a monthly cooking class series, more than 300 delicious and easy recipes, and Nourish Your Whole Self, a new program based on the concept of intuitive eating.

Raise your awareness

Knowing your blood pressure numbers and whether you are at risk is important. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 of 3 U.S. adults – or about 75 million people – have high blood pressure, but only about half of these people have their high blood pressure under control.

On February 9 at 12 p.m., watch “Cholesterol Livestream: The Good, the Bad & What to Do About It” on YouTube, presented by Frankel Cardiovascular Center. Eric J. Brandt, M.D., a Michigan Medicine cardiologist and lipidologist will explain good and bad cholesterol, the health risks of high cholesterol and advise on the best ways to lower it – from lifestyle changes to medications to alternative treatments.

Manage stress

It's no surprise that stress can trigger high blood pressure, heart attack and other cardiovascular risks. No-cost counseling services are available to staff, faculty, retirees, and adult dependents. And U-M health plans cover mental and behavioral health services like counseling, therapy and substance abuse treatment.

Quit tobacco 

No matter how long you've used tobacco, quitting will reduce your risk. The MHealthy Tobacco Consultation Service offers free, one-on-one counseling and eligible U-M drug plan members can get prescription and over-the-counter smoking cessation medications with no copay.

Limit alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. The MHealthy Alcohol Management Program offers no cost, confidential health education to help you cut back on your drinking or quit altogether— you decide which is the right approach for you. 

Find more heart healthy programs and resources available through MHealthy, the university, and on the new MHealthy Portal, powered by Asset Health.