Leading cause of death in two-state may not be a broken heart…or is it?

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Some local doctors remind you about the importance of heart health this month, and all year round. 

You may be less likely to die from a broken heart, but the chances of death in both Georgia and South Carolina– due to cardiovascular disease– are more than likely. 

The phrase “no one has died from a broken heart” could be true, but heartbreak can cause health issues. 

“There is a condition called broken heart syndrome. Somebody can have such an enormous emotional stress, due to so many variety of reasons in our lives that can contribute to heart disease as well,” Doctors Hospital’s Intervention Cardiologist Dr. Bhagat Reddy said.

While Broken Heart Syndrome can be one cause of cardiovascular disease, genetics and other issues play even bigger roles.

“There are other risk factors, too, that contribute to heart disease. Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes. All these things can be prevented if they are recognized at an earlier time,” Dr. Reddy said.

He explained how causing factors can lead to a blocked or clogged artery and how he and his team are able to revive a patient after experiencing a heart attack. 

“It is important for individual people to approach their healthcare provider to evaluate themselves to prevent early cardiovascular deaths. And also, there is no downside in evaluating oneself for blood pressure detection, cholesterol elevation, sugar elevation and also being overweight. All these things do matter and can prevent major heart disease.”

The month of February is Heart Health Month which acts as a reminder to get routine check ups and maintain a healthy lifestyle.