February is Heart Month

by Amy Fiala and Jennifer Mount, WSU Graduate Nursing Students

Every year, more than 1.5 million people in the United States suffer a heart attack or stroke.  February is American Health Month, to promote cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease. As nurses, it’s not only important to educate our patients about their risks and heart health, but it’s important to do the same for ourselves.

Heart Health

We can lead by example when it comes to heart health. Focusing on heart healthy behaviors not only positively impacts our own health, but our family, friends and patients too. Heart disease includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve disease and heart failure. Having any type of heart disease leads to increase risk of heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are the leading risk factors for heart disease.

What you can do

• Manage your blood pressure & cholesterol
• Increase physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat clean & watch salt intake
• Not smoking
• Reducing stress

Spreading Awareness & Support

• The Heart Truth-the red dress campaign bringing to light that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women
• #OurHearts– using this hashtag to encourage others to come together to adopt heart healthy behaviors
• Wear Red– first Friday in February or any day of heart month to spread awareness
• Million Hearts-CDC’s campaign to prevent 1 million heart attacks and stokes within 5 years

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2022, January 7). American heart month. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month