Every February, hearts show up everywhere—on cards, in store aisles, and across social media. Beyond the Valentine’s Day symbolism, a more urgent message pulses throughout the month: your actual heart deserves attention, too. February is American Heart Month, a time to spotlight cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death in the United States—and to empower Americans with lifesaving knowledge and habits.

For four weeks, the country unites to promote heart-healthy living, encourage people to “know their numbers,” and participate in awareness efforts like National Wear Red Day, reminding us that prevention truly starts at home.

National observance of American Heart Month, first proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, is particularly important for older adults. Ann Stahlheber, a licensed registered dietitian for Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA), details basic physical activity older adults can do to improve heart health.

Stahlheber suggests older adults start with an optimistic mindset when it comes to how they approach heart health. Having a positive approach to health, especially heart health, is key to success. 

“Being active and eating healthy can help you have a strong heart, which will help you do the things you enjoy,” she says. “If the things you enjoy include being active and eating healthy foods, the cycle continues!”

Stahlheber says older adults should find an activity they enjoy and can do daily. Hearts are muscles that need to work to stay strong.  Walking is probably the most recommended activity for heart health, because its impact on heart health has been extensively studied¹, is relatively easy to start, and is generally low-cost to participate. 

“Walking briskly every day will improve heart health. Aim for 40 minutes a day or more. If you have not been active for a while, check with your doctor first,” she says.

Stahlheber notes that some medications may interact with certain fruits and vegetables, so be sure to look at the medication instructions and discuss with your doctor.

 

Building a Strong Heart: Everyday Habits That Matter

Heart disease often develops silently, but prevention can be powerful. Adopting small, consistent lifestyle changes dramatically reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Preventive Actions

• Choose whole, nutrient-rich foods, reducing processed items and increasing fiber.
• Move your body daily—aim for activities you enjoy and can maintain.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your heart.

 

Know Your Numbers

Monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels provides early warning signs and gives you and your doctor a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health.

Health experts recommend: 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Also, quitting smoking, one of the strongest ways to lower your risk.

 

Why CPR Awareness Matters More Than Ever

The statistics around cardiac arrest are sobering:

• More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the U.S. each year.
• 90% of these cases are fatal.
• Roughly 70% happen at home—meaning a loved one is most likely to be nearby.
• Hands‑Only CPR can double or triple survival rates for adults and teens if performed immediately.

The American Heart Association offers resources for everyone—no medical experience required:

• Online CPR course: http://shopcpr.heart.org/heartsaver-cpr-aed-online
• 60‑second Hands‑Only CPR video: http://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr

In just one minute, you can learn a skill that may save someone’s life.

 

Heart Health as We Age: What Older Adults Need to Know

The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation highlights several heart-related issues that become more common with age.

Recognizing a Heart Attack

Coronary artery disease—the most common type of heart disease—restricts blood flow to the heart. A major blockage can lead to permanent muscle damage.

Symptoms like:

• severe chest pain,
• pressure or discomfort,
• shortness of breath,
• or unexplained fatigue

require immediate medical attention.

 

“Wear and Tear” on Heart Valves

The heart’s four valves open and close millions of times over a lifetime. Naturally, aging can damage them.

Among adults 75 and older, 1 in 8 has moderate or severe heart valve disease, which may cause fatigue, dizziness, swelling, or shortness of breath.

 

Understanding Heart Failure

Heart failure—when the heart can’t pump enough blood—is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over 65. Often the result of long-term cardiovascular issues, it requires careful management and prompt recognition to maintain quality of life.

American Heart Month invites all of us to pause and reflect on the organ that keeps us alive—quietly, tirelessly, every moment of every day. Whether by making healthier choices, learning CPR, or understanding the signs of cardiac issues, February serves as a powerful reminder: taking care of your heart is one of the most meaningful acts of self-care.

 

About WRAAA
Building upon four decades of experience in providing services and support to individuals in need, WRAAA is designated by the State of Ohio to plan, coordinate, and administer federal and state aging programs across five counties. WRAAA, the largest of Ohio’s AAAs, is committed to enhancing the lives of more than 440,000 older adults and veterans in our service area through innovative, person-centered services.

 

Source:

1. Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. Prescribing exercise as preventive therapy. CMAJ. 2006 Mar 28;174(7):961-74. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.1040750. Erratum in: CMAJ. 2008 Mar 11;178(6):731-2. PMID: 16567757; PMCID: PMC1405860.