February is known as American Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease affects people of all walks of life in Florida. Heart diseases and strokes are the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Social Security Administration recognizes cardiovascular disease as a potentially disabling condition. Cardiovascular disorders are not only included in the listing of impairments composed by the SSA, but the SSA identified 12 conditions associated with cardiovascular disease under the fast-track Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowances program.

During February's observance of American Heart Month, federal officials and the CDC are promoting a campaign launched last September by the Department of Health and Human Services called the "Million Hearts" initiative. HHS is aiming to prevent one million heart attacks over the next five years through the initiative. The HHS program seeks to empower healthy Americans to make healthy choices to lower the risk of heart disease.

However, HHS knows that many Americans suffer from the debilitating disease. HHS encourages improving care for people who have cardiovascular disease.

More than two million people in the country suffer a heart attack or stroke each year, according to the CDC. There are very few people anywhere in America, including South Florida, who do not have a friend, relative or neighbor who is suffering from heart disease.

The Million Hearts initiative reminds people who are most susceptible to heart disease to take a daily aspirin under their own doctor's approval, control blood pressure and cholesterol, and avoid smoking.

For those who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and find that they can no longer work, America's social safety net under the Social Security Disability Insurance program can be an invaluable resource to meet day to day expenses.

Source: CDC, "Be One in a Million this American Heart Month"