Throughout February, American Heart Month, NorthShore University HealthSystem will bring you a daily tip on how to improve your heart health. These tips come from our team of cardiologists and will continue every weekday in February. 

• Short of Breath? Swollen Ankles?
  These are two of the most common signs of Congestive Heart Failure. Your doctor is the best person to make a diagnosis.
  
• Don't Dismiss Leg Pain
  The most common symptom of Peripheral Vascular Disease is pain and cramping in the hips, thighs or calves while walking and exercising.
  
• Pay attention to your snoring 
  Keeping your spouse up at night?  Excessive snoring has been associated with sleep apnea, a condition with many complications including high blood pressure and heart disease.
  
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation
  Stick to an average of no more than one drink a day
  
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations for diet and exercise
  If you're new to exercise it can be easy to overdo it. Make sure a doctor clears you before you hit the treadmill.
  
• Eat a heart-healthy diet 
  A heart-healthy diet includes plent of servings of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods and fish .
  
• Get regular checkups
  Don't have a family physician? Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a primary care physician near you.
  
• CPR Training
  Does a family member have a heart condition?  Learning CPR for a loved one may save his/her life. Search the calendar for upcoming CPR and First Aid classes near you.
  
• Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
  NorthShore University HealthSystem offers a number of blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. 
  
• Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day
  Start by taking the stairs or parking in the back of the parking and walking into the grocery store. You should be careful when starting any new physical exercise regimen. Always consult a doctor to assess your level of fitness before beginning an exercise program.
  
• Quit Smoking 
  Quitting smoking seems like a no-brainer when it comes to hearth health, but many find the addiction is too much to overcome alone. NorthShore University HealthSystem offers many resources for smoking cessation.
  
• Limit your salt intake to 2300 mg of sodium a day.
  The American Heart Association offers several tips on how to lower your sodium intake. Taking the salt shaker off your dining room table and using other seasonings like lemon or vinegar can help reduce the amount of sodium in your daily diet