In Louisiana and elsewhere, February is American Heart Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses the month of February to educate the public on heart disease, risks for heart disease and ways to prevent it. If you are someone with a heart condition and it prevents you from working, some heart diseases qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every day 2,200 people die from cardiovascular disease and one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke. Clearly, heart disease affects many people in Louisiana and prevents many from working. Under Social Security Disability's list of impairments some heart conditions may qualify for disability benefits.

Social Security Disability classifies heart conditions in its list of impairments under the cardiovascular system according to its website. Social Security Disability defines cardiovascular impairment by any disorder that affects the proper functioning of the heart or cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system includes veins, arteries, capillaries and lymphatic drainage. Social Security Disability recognizes cardiovascular impairments whether they are acquired or if the impairment is congenital.

To reduce the impact cardiovascular disease has on Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the Million Hearts program last year. The program aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. The HHS is using two strategies to complete its goal: help people make healthier choices and improve care for those who need it.

To reduce the number of people who need medical treatment for heart conditions, HHS is encouraging the public to reduce the amount of trans fat and sodium they eat and to avoid the use of tobacco products. To improve the care of people who need heart and cardiovascular treatment, HHS is encouraging the application of the acronym "ABCS." ABCS stands for aspirin for those at risk, blood pressure control, cholesterol management and smoking cessation.

Source: cdc.gov, "Be one in a million this American Heart Month," Jan. 30, 2012