American Heart Month Heart Health: A 2026 Guide for Prevention, Awareness, and Support at Home

February is American Heart Month heart health, an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness of heart disease, sharing prevention strategies, and empowering individuals and families to take action for better cardiovascular wellbeing. While heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, many risk factors are preventable with early intervention, healthy habits, and skilled support.

At CompleteOK, we are committed to helping patients and families understand heart disease, manage risk, and access appropriate care. This includes our specialized cardiac program within Home Health. Proper care, education and disease management can help patients live healthier, more active lives at home.

What Is American Heart Month Heart Health?

Understanding the Focus

American Heart Month heart health is a national effort started in 1963 to educate the public about cardiovascular disease, its risk factors, early warning signs, and ways to prevent it. Heart disease affects millions of Americans each year, especially seniors and those with chronic conditions.

Cardiovascular disease includes a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

• Heart failure

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Stroke linked to heart disease

Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can greatly reduce the impact of heart disease.

Why Heart Health Matters Across Generations

Heart disease does not only affect older adults. Risks exist at many ages, and lifestyle choices made early can influence long-term heart health. The sooner individuals understand and act on key prevention strategies, the better the outcomes.

Common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Tobacco use

• Diabetes

• Physical inactivity

• Unhealthy diet

• Obesity

• Stress

• Family history of heart disease

While some risk factors like age and genetics cannot be changed, many, including diet, exercise, and smoking, are modifiable.

Recognizing Heart Attack Warning Signs

Knowing the signs of a heart attack can save lives. Symptoms may vary but commonly include:

• Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness)

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea or lightheadedness

• Cold sweat

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences these symptoms — especially if they last more than a few minutes.

Heart-Healthy Habits You Can Start This Month

February is a perfect time to adopt heart-healthy habits. Small, sustainable changes create significant long-term benefits.

1. Nutrition That Supports the Heart

Eating a balanced diet can reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like nuts and olive oil).

• Limit processed foods, excess salt, added sugars, and saturated fats.

• Include heart-healthy foods such as salmon, beans, leafy greens, and berries.

2. Physical Activity for Every Ability

Regular movement strengthens the heart and improves circulation.

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (walking, cycling, swimming).

• Break activity into short sessions throughout the day if needed.

• Consult your clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you have existing conditions.

3. Stress and Sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep contribute to inflammation and high blood pressure.

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga.

• Keep a regular sleep schedule for 7-9 hours per night.

4. Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are silent contributors to heart disease.

• Regular monitoring matters.

• Communicate with your clinician about appropriate medication and diet adjustments.

How CompleteOK Supports Heart Health at Home

At CompleteOK, we know that heart health is more than one doctor visit — it’s ongoing support, education, and skillful care right where patients live.

Home Health Cardiac Program

Our cardiac program within Home Health provides targeted support for patients living with heart conditions, including:

• Skilled nursing assessments and monitoring

• Medication management to maintain healthy rhythms and blood pressure

• Education on symptom awareness and self-care

• Diet and lifestyle guidance

• Coordination with cardiologists or primary care providers

• Early intervention during changes in status

This comprehensive approach helps reduce the risk of complications, hospital readmissions, and supports patients in maintaining independence. Learn more about our comprehensive home health care services.

Heart Health for Special Populations

Seniors and Heart Health

Older adults often face multiple chronic conditions that interact with heart health.CompleteOK’s Home Health and Home Services teams help seniors by:

• Providing safe mobility support

• Monitoring chronic conditions

• Offering tailored therapy and education

• Reducing fall risk which can indirectly protect cardiac health

• Providing additional support in the home

Learn more about our home services and programs.

Palliative Care and Chronic Heart Conditions

For individuals living with advanced or progressive cardiac disease, organizational support is key.Our Palliative Care team helps patients and families focus on comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life while aligning care goals with personal priorities. Learn more about our palliative care services.

Hospice Care for Advanced Heart Disease

When heart disease reaches life-limiting stages, hospice care shifts focus to comfort, dignity, and family support. Our trained interdisciplinary team addresses emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Learn more about our hospice care services.

Conclusion: Your Heart Matters

American Heart Month heart health is a reminder that heart disease can be managed, prevented, and often slowed with the right strategies. By understanding risk factors, recognizing warning signs, embracing healthier habits, and accessing skilled support like CompleteOK’s cardiac program, individuals and families can take meaningful steps toward long-term cardiovascular wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking to reinforce prevention, navigate chronic cardiac conditions, or support a loved one at home, CompleteOK is here to help every beat of the way. Request a no-cost evaluation in seconds or just find out more about how our services can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Heart Month?

American Heart Month is observed each February to raise awareness about heart disease and promote prevention strategies such as healthy nutrition, physical activity, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol.

What are common warning signs of a heart attack?

Common warning signs include chest discomfort or pressure, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. Call 911 immediately if symptoms are new, severe, or do not go away.

What are key steps to improve heart health?

Key steps include eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active based on your ability level, taking medications as prescribed, managing stress, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

How can home health support heart disease management?

Home health can support heart disease management through skilled nursing monitoring, medication education, symptom assessment, coordination with providers, and therapy services to improve strength, mobility, and safe activity tolerance when ordered by a provider.

How can CompleteOK help during American Heart Month?

CompleteOK supports heart health through in-home services that may include skilled nursing, therapy services, and education to help patients manage cardiac conditions at home. Services depend on eligibility and provider orders.