It's Heart Health Month - Be a Lifesaver
February is Heart Health Month — a time to learn more about how to care for your heart and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but many cases can be prevented through everyday habits that support long-term health.
Join the Nation of Lifesavers
This year, the American Heart Association encourages everyone to learn Hands-Only CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers.
Three out of four cardiac arrests that happen outside of a hospital happen at home. You can be the first responder for someone you love. Learn the two steps of Hands-Only CPR and be ready.
In every cardiac emergency, the real first responder is not always a uniformed professional but often an everyday bystander. Cardiac arrest can strike anywhere- at the gym, in the grocery store, or during a child’s soccer game. However, bystanders only intervene about 40% of the time, often due to uncertainty or lack of training.
You do not need medical credentials to save a life. What’s required is knowledge, courage, and the readiness to act. This reimagining of heroism challenges the community to see themselves as empowered agents of change- ordinary people with the extraordinary power to make every future moment possible for someone in crisis.
Learn CPR today so you are ready and become a part of the Nation of Lifesavers.
How to join the Nation of Lifesavers:
-American Heart Association
Along with raising awareness about the importance of learning CPR, we continue to focus on prevention, early awareness, and simple steps people can take each day to support heart health.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Many forms of heart disease develop over time when fatty deposits build up inside arteries, limiting blood flow and increasing the risk of blood clots.
CVD can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, affecting both quality of life and longevity.
Common Types of Cardiovascular Disease
Coronary Heart Disease
Occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This may cause chest pain or a heart attack.
Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. A TIA, sometimes called a mini-stroke, causes similar symptoms that resolve quickly but still require medical attention.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Reduced blood flow to the arms or legs, often causing pain or cramping when walking.
Aortic Disease
Conditions affecting the body’s largest blood vessel, including aneurysms or tears in the vessel wall.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Heart disease often develops due to a combination of lifestyle, medical, and genetic factors, including:
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Diabetes
Tobacco use
Physical inactivity
Poor nutrition
Excess alcohol use*
Stress
Family history and aging
According to the American Heart Association, managing these risk factors early can greatly reduce the chance of developing heart disease.
Warning Signs to Know
Symptoms vary depending on the condition but may include:
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or dizziness
Pain or numbness in arms or legs
Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or facial drooping (possible stroke symptoms)
Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Heart
The good news is that many heart conditions are preventable. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.
Eat for Heart Health
Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean proteins while limiting sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.
Move More
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, such as walking, biking, or dancing.
Quit Tobacco
Stopping smoking or vaping improves heart health at any age. The Maine QuitLink is an online resource to support Maine residents to be tobacco-free and to connect to tobacco treatment. Maine QuitLink offers expert counseling and are committed to making a difference through support that can help you stay tobacco-free for life.
Are you ready to quit? Click here or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Limit Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and cancer. It can also lead to injury, violence, problems with mental health, learning and memory, risky sexual behavior and alcohol poisoning.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drinking too much, contact your healthcare provider. If you are wondering whether your drinking habits might be harmful to your health, visit alcoholscreening.org for a free and confidential self-assessment, resources, and treatment options.If you choose to drink, moderation helps protect heart and blood vessel health.
Manage Stress and Sleep
Healthy sleep habits and stress management support both mental and heart health.
Know Your Numbers
Regularly check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels with your healthcare provider.
Healthy Acadia and The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention encourage Mainers to work with healthcare providers and community programs to prevent chronic disease and support lifelong wellness.
Learn More
For additional heart health information and tools, visit:
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org
Maine CDC Heart Disease Prevention: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc
Taking steps today - even small ones - can help protect your heart for years to come. Together, we can build healthier communities and support heart health across every stage of life.