Heart Healthy Month

♥️ February is Heart Healthy Month ♥️

February is all about the Heart. We all know that we celebrate the ones we love on Valentine’s Day, but did you know that February is Heart Health Month, too? Educating and promoting a healthy lifestyle to your patients may help prevent and treat heart disease and ensure they will be here to celebrate with family and friends in the coming years. 

Hypertension, the silent killer, is a primary, or contributing cause of nearly 700,000 deaths in the United States (CDC, 2025). Speak frankly with patients and educate them as to the consequences of undiagnosed, untreated, or uncontrolled hypertension.  The American Heart Association (AHA) (2024a) provides handouts that can be printed and used as talking points.  Here are a few of the health conditions that patients may suffer as a result of hypertension:

1.       Myocardial Infarction (MI)

2.       Stroke

3.       Heart Failure

4.       Kidney Disease/Failure

5.       Vision Loss

6.       Sexual Dysfunction

Know the Numbers

Here is a table with the breakdown of categories of blood pressure readings from the AHA (2025b):

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic mm Hg	Diastolic mm Hg
Normal	Less than 120	Less than 80
Elevated	120-129	Less than 80
Hypertension Stage 1	130-139	80-89
Hypertension Stage 2	140 or higher	90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis	Higher than 180	Higher than 120

Cardiac Rehab Week

Did you know? The second week of February is recognized as Cardiac Rehab Week—a time to celebrate the vital role of cardiac rehabilitation in recovery and heart health.

Nurses specializing in cardiac rehab play a crucial role in helping patients recover from severe heart conditions and procedures. They provide expert guidance on lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication management to improve overall health and reduce the risk of future cardiac events. These dedicated nurses typically work in outpatient clinics or rehab centers (AHA, 2024b).

Who Benefits from Cardiac Rehab?

Cardiac rehabilitation programs support patients who have experienced:

✔️ Heart attacks (within the past 12 months)

✔️ Coronary artery disease (CAD)

✔️ Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

✔️ Heart procedures (angioplasty, stenting, bypass surgery)

✔️ Heart transplants

How Long Does Cardiac Rehab Last?

The typical program spans 12 weeks, though the duration may vary based on an individual’s treatment plan and medical condition.

A Path to Certification

For nurses passionate about cardiac rehab, certification is available through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This credential demonstrates a commitment to excellence in cardiac care. U.S. and international candidates must meet specialized criteria, including:

✔️ A Bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing from an accredited college or university      

✔️ Current RN License

✔️ 1200 clinical hours in CR/Secondary prevention in Cardiac Rehab (AACVPR, 2025)

By pursuing certification, nurses showcase their dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing heart health.

Go Red for Women

Although the official day has passed, the American Heart Association celebrates Go Red for Women every year on the first Friday in February to raise awareness about heart health in women. This initiative inspires women to make healthier lifestyle choices that can have a lasting impact on their well-being.

Did you know? Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women. However, small changes in daily habits can significantly improve heart health. By wearing red on this special day, you support women battling heart disease and help spread awareness about the importance of prevention.

Women & Heart Disease: Key Facts

❤️ 45% of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.

❤️ Pregnancy-related risks:

• 10-20% of women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing their future risk of heart disease.

• CVD accounts for one-third of maternal deaths.

❤️ Nearly 52% of all deaths linked to hypertension occur in women (AHA, 2025a).

These statistics may seem alarming, but the good news is education and lifestyle changes can make a big difference! You don’t have to be part of these numbers. Take charge of your health by learning more from the American Heart Association or speaking with your healthcare provider. And don’t forget to help educate your patients and family about heart health. 

Your heart matters—make it a priority! ❤️

References

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (2025). Certified cardiac rehabilitation professional (CCRP). Retrieved from  Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional

American Heart Association (2024a). Health threats from high blood pressure. Retrieved from Health Threats from High Blood Pressure | American Heart Association

American Heart Association (2024b). What is cardiac rehabilitation? Retrieved from What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?

American Heart Association (2025a). The facts about women and heart disease. Retrieved from Facts | Go Red for Women

American Heart Association. (2025b). Understanding blood pressure. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

Center for Disease and Control (2025). High blood pressure facts. Retrieved from High Blood Pressure Facts | High Blood Pressure | CDC