February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and the steps we can take to protect our health. Dr. Atul Chug, a cardiologist with Franciscan Health, emphasized one of the easiest and most impactful ways to safeguard our hearts involves regular blood pressure checks. Chug explained that high blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for heart disease, which continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States, particularly among men. “When we think about cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure ranks at the top,” Chug said. “It’s like water flowing through a garden hose. If the water comes in too fast, it can damage the hose over time. The same thing happens inside your blood vessels, which can ultimately lead to heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions.” MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/outreach/real-men-wear-gowns/a-simple-step-save-your-life-real-men-wear-gowns-american-heart-month-franciscan-health/531-01bc0cb7-7656-456f-bbe9-10e78d126814