Every 40 seconds, an American has a heart attack. Understand your risks and how to be proactive in your heart health.
A heart attack happens when a part of the heart muscle doesnโt get enough blood. And the more time that passes without restoration to the blood flow, the greater the damage that can happen to the heart muscle.
![American Heart Association taking annual โHeart Ballโ virtual this year](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/AcvfJSb22JoDIUZMUXuI4m6Ed-A=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-10-2021/t_88783a34df1c4f0aa6c4964e8287b862_name_image.jpg)
American Heart Association taking annual โHeart Ballโ virtual this year
HOUSTON โ February is National Heart Month, and the American Heart Association has a great way for Houstonians to get involved in their life-saving mission. Their annual (and very glamorous) โHeart Ballโ fundraising event is now set to be an exciting virtual experience this year, happening Thursday, February 11. Even though guests wonโt be gathering all this year, they can dress up in ball gowns and tuxes - or cozy up in their loungewear and enjoy this signature event from the comfort of their own homes. His performance will deliver a message of hope, similar to that of his most recent performance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration concert. Watch as Lauren Kelly chats with the Heart Ball chairs, Lisa and Jerry Simon about the big event.
![Various exercises can strengthen your heart](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/o2l504Wf5ahLjRL6fhkQT0YbhAM=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/IIKJDOPONVBKBPZIYM2TB6U3OI.jpg)
Various exercises can strengthen your heart
WebMD advocates cardiovascular exertion as the most effective exercise, with stretching and weight training playing a supporting role. Cardiovascular ActivityThe Franklin Institute's Center for Innovation in Science Learning offers some tips to help on the road to heart health that can be incorporated into everyday life. Good forms of cardiovascular exercise include swimming, which is an overall body workout and which really gets your heart pumping. Running is well known for its overall health benefits and has a great impact on heart health in particular. ResultsAccording to the American Heart Association a lack of exercise is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is strongly linked to heart attacks.