Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital and Cardonelet St. Mary’s Hospital have paired together with the American Heart Association to promote February’s American Heart Month campaign to community members.

The campaign focuses on having a healthy heart and knowing the signs to look for cardiovascular disease. As noted by the hospital’s news release, heart disease is the “Nation’s No. 1 killer (and) is responsible for about 1 in every 3 deaths in the United States. The number of Americans dying of heart disease increased in 2015 for the first time in over two decades." 

During this month, the hospitals will “educate people about cardiovascular disease, including a free online risk assessment and screening events,” and encourage members of the community to live healthier lives, as reported in the news release.

“Knowing the optimal key numbers for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI can help people reduce their risk," St. Joseph's CEO Marc Benz said.

The four signs to look for in cardiovascular disease include:

***Blood pressure typically within the range of 120/80 mm Hg,

***Blood cholesterol of less than 180 mg/dL,

***Blood sugar level A1C of less than 6.5 (a more or less stringent glycemic goal may be appropriate), and

***Body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 to maintain a healthy weight.