Heart Disease is Still the No. 1 Killer in Harris County — Here’s How to Take Control of Your Heart Health This February
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—and Harris County is no exception. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease claims a life every 34 seconds in the U.S., with over 919,000 deaths reported in 2023 alone.
And with billions spent annually on treatment, medications, and hospitalizations, the toll extends far beyond the individual.
That’s why every February, American Heart Month serves as a critical reminder to prioritize prevention—and this year, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is putting education into action.
To raise awareness and offer practical solutions, HCPH is hosting the 2026 Healthy Cooking Challenge on Friday, February 28, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Local chefs will prepare heart-healthy meals, and the first 80 in-person attendees can taste and vote for their favorites. The event will also be streamed live via Texas Southern University’s Center for Community Engagement platforms for those who can’t attend in person. To join virtually, visit bit.ly/HCC_2026LIVESTREAM.
Understanding the Risks and Signs of Heart Disease
The most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is coronary artery disease (CAD), which restricts blood flow to the heart and can lead to heart attacks. Often, there are no symptoms until it’s too late.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or extreme fatigue
- Swelling in the lower extremities
- Irregular heartbeat or fluttering sensations in the chest
Certain factors increase your risk, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, excess weight, poor diet, physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol use. While some of these may sound familiar, many people underestimate how lifestyle changes can significantly reduce their risk.
Local Help is Here: Free and Low-Cost Heart Health Support from HCPH
The good news? Prevention is possible—and it starts with simple steps. According to the American Heart Association:
- At least 2.5 hours of physical activity per week is recommended for adults.
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes.
- Even a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Harris County Public Health offers multiple free or low-cost programs to help residents make lasting health changes, including:
- Routine health exams (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screenings)
- Nutrition and Physical Activity Program
- Tobacco and Vaping Prevention Program
- Diabetes Prevention Program
These initiatives teach residents how to eat well, move more, quit smoking, and manage or even reverse pre-diabetes.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
If you're a Harris County resident looking to take that first step:
- Call 832-927-7350 to schedule a health exam.
- Call 713-439-6000 to join a Chronic Disease Prevention Program.
- Visit hcphtx.org or cdc.gov to explore resources and tips for reducing your risk of heart disease.
A Community Call to Action
Every life saved through education, prevention, and early detection is a win for the entire community. As American Heart Month continues, Harris County residents are encouraged to reflect on their own habits and support loved ones in making heart-smart choices. Whether it's showing up to the Healthy Cooking Challenge, scheduling a check-up, or swapping processed snacks for a fresh salad, the journey to better heart health starts one step at a time.
And this February, there’s no better time to start.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
