February is a time for all things heart — Valentine's day, sweetheart candies, and American Heart Month. Now's the time to share our affection with our loved ones while putting a little extra focus on keeping everyone free from heart disease.

Despite years of focused attention, heart disease is still the most significant health threat to Americans—taking 2,300 lives each day. To give you a little perspective, heart disease affects more people each year than the entire population of Dallas, TX.

That may surprise you a bit, but what's even more remarkable is that according to the American Heart Association, 83% of people who believe heart attacks are preventable don't take action to lead healthier lives. And 53% who know they are actively at risk put no effort into improving. So, it's important to think about being heart-healthy this February and in all of the other months of the year.

Taking care of your heart is even more mission-critical when you understand that it's an integral part of an interconnected system in your body. That means diseases of the skin, brain, or even your mouth can eventually threaten your heart. So, while we should all continue to focus on heart-healthy diet and exercise, it's time to take a look at a few other conditions that can place your heart in peril—and how you can reduce your risk.

1. Gum Disease

When was the last time you flossed? If it was at the hygienist's office during your last checkup, you might want to pay attention. As many as half of all adults have mild cases of periodontitis, an infection that begins with gum disease. If left untreated, it can spread to the bones and ligaments supporting your teeth. The body's response to such an injury or infection is inflammation. And inflammation damages your blood vessels over time and makes them more prone to plaque buildup that can block blood flow to your heart. As a result, people with gum disease are up to twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. So, brush, floss, and get your required check ups each year.

2. Depression

About one-fifth of new heart disease diagnoses are also suffering from depression. It seems that heart disease and depression feed off of one another. People who are depressed after a cardiac event heal more slowly and are at risk for future heart attacks and strokes. Treating depression improves both your emotional state as well as your physical health. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition, keep a keen eye out for signs of depression and raise any concerns with your doctor.

3. Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when your body either can't make or can't use insulin. Insulin is responsible for driving glucose (sugar) into the body's cells, which is turned into energy. Sounds sweet. But too much sugar in your blood over time can damage nerves and blood vessels, contributing to heart disease. That's why people with diabetes are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. Keeping insulin and glucose levels in control can go along way toward preventing diabetes-related heart damage.

4. Psoriasis

Doctors now know that the harm of psoriasis is more than skin deep. Recent studies have found that the condition is linked not only to heart disease but also to stroke and other blood vessel diseases. This could be because people with psoriasis are twice as likely to have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions like obesity, and high blood pressure that raise heart risks.

So, while we focus on the heart this February, be sure to check the rest of your body now and year-round to keep everything in good working condition.  And be sure to consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns.