September 29th is World Heart Day, a time to increase awareness on the impact and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. A Red Circle is in on the mission to spread knowledge on the value of lessening chances of heart disease and stroke, one heart at a time. 

A Journey to Good Heart Health 

It’s no secret that making conscious food choices is an act of self-love. Eating nutrient-rich foods profoundly impacts our mental clarity and physical well-being while nourishing our souls.  By choosing whole foods with low sodium that are minimally processed–like fresh fruits and vegetables– we absorb the vitamins and minerals that are essential to boosting our health in remarkable ways. A portion of these benefits include lowering the risk of high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure and peripheral artery disease, all of which are tell-tale signs of cardiovascular disease – the world’s number one killer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

While studies show that there’s an intrinsic connection between a good diet and a good heart, it’s hard to get serious about cardiovascular healthcare when best practices for harm reduction aren’t readily available. The challenge for many people–particularly, those who are in areas that lack full-service grocery retail –is not being armed with adequate resources and education on healthy, sustainable living. That’s often been the case for North St. Louis County residents who have historically experienced a systemic disinvestment in access to healthy cost-effective foods. 

The Numbers Don’t Lie 

North St. Louis County has long been a hot spot for heart-related illnesses. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services indicates that heart disease is the leading cause of death for Missourians, accounting for more than 15,000 deaths each year in the state. In St. Louis alone, Black residents have the highest death rate from heart disease and experience more ER visits for hypertension and heart failure than any other racial group in the city, according to the Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science. And, as recently as 2020, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health points out that heart disease was the leading cause of fatalities in St. Louis County.

“High blood pressure is a significant health issue in St. Louis and across the state. 34% of Missourians have been told they have high blood pressure and in some census tracts in North County that percentage is significantly higher at 52%,” said Rachelle Bartnick, Sr. Community Impact Director at the American Heart Association, a founding member of the World Heart Federation and creator of World Heart Day in 2000. “The issue is further compounded by the fact that about 20% of adults aren’t aware that they have high blood pressure.”

When You Know Better, You Do Better 

In lieu of the widespread heart-related morbidities that impact this region, it’s important to adopt some preventative measures that empower you to manage your health. 

According to Bartnick, the American Heart Association has been a leader in adding emphasis to nutrition security. “On a national level we have launched an initiative called Health Care by FoodTM aimed at addressing barriers to the widespread adoption of healthy food as a treatment for acute and chronic disease and the health inequities that result,” she said. “We are investing in research projects to better understand the efficacy and long-term impact of interventions like produce prescriptions, medically tailored meals and groceries, and the like. Locally in St. Louis we are supporting clinical and community organizations in screening for food security and referring to food resources in our community.”

• Eat low-sodium, wholesome foods that are high in nutrition 

          Come get free, fresh produce at some of A Red Circle’s regular events, like the Healthy Community Market,                        People’s Harvest Pop Up, or visit us at Art at the Ferguson Farmers Market. 

• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and lower hypertension which is, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), known as the ‘silent killer’                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
• Get routine medical care and health status check-ins
• As advised by the American Heart Association, join ‘You’re The Cure” and speak out by telling Congress to keep healthy foods in schools.

By 2050, AHA predicts more than half of Americans (about 61%) will have cardiovascular disease. Together, we can prioritize heart-healthy practices that can strengthen our wellness, helping us feel more vibrant, clear-headed, and emotionally balanced to take on the day and most importantly, pour back into the community that pours into us.