National Heart Month: How to Keep Your Heart Healthy and How Your Pharmacy Can Help

February is National Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage people to take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy heart. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but the good news is that many cases are preventable with the right lifestyle changes.

In this article, we’ll discuss common heart issues, who they affect the most, lifestyle changes to protect your heart, and how your local pharmacy can support you in maintaining heart health.

Common Heart Issues and Who They Affect

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of cardiovascular conditions. Some of the most common include:

1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

• Occurs when the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.
• Can lead to angina (chest pain), heart attacks, or heart failure.
• Most common in men over 45 and women over 55, but lifestyle factors play a major role.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

• A silent killer that increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
• More common in older adults, those with obesity, and people with a family history of hypertension.
• Often goes undetected, which is why regular monitoring is crucial.

3. Heart Failure

• Occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.
• Common in people over 65, those with a history of high blood pressure, or individuals with untreated diabetes.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and extreme fatigue.

4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

• An irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke.
• More common in people over 60, those with high blood pressure, and individuals with excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Stroke

• A condition where blood supply to the brain is interrupted, often due to blocked arteries.
• Can cause permanent disability or be fatal.
• People with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are at greater risk.

Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Heart

Taking steps to improve your heart health doesn’t require drastic measures. Small, consistent changes can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.
• Reduce salt, saturated fats, and processed foods to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Include heart-friendly fats from nuts, avocados, and olive oil.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Being overweight significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which can harm the heart.
• Aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss through balanced eating and regular physical activity.

3. Stay Physically Active

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming).
• Strength training twice a week helps with overall fitness and maintaining muscle mass.
• Find enjoyable activities to stay motivated and consistent.

4. Manage Stress

• Chronic stress leads to high blood pressure and inflammation, which negatively impact the heart.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
• Engage in hobbies and social activities to improve emotional well-being.

5. Quit Smoking & Reduce Alcohol Intake

• Smoking damages arteries and greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
• Alcohol in excess raises blood pressure and cholesterol, so drink in moderation (no more than 14 units per week for men and women).

6. Monitor Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

• High blood pressure and cholesterol are often symptomless, so regular checks are essential.
• If needed, take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.

How We Can Help You Maintain a Healthy Heart

Our pharmacies are more than just a place to pick up prescriptions—it can be a valuable resource for heart health support. Here’s how:

1. Blood Pressure Monitoring

• Our pharmacies offer free or low-cost blood pressure checks.
• If your readings are high, our pharmacists can advise on lifestyle changes or refer you to a doctor.

2. Weight Loss Support

• Pharmacists can offer personalized weight loss advice, including healthy eating plans.
• Our pharmacies provide weight loss programs or support for medical weight loss treatments.

3. Smoking Cessation Programs

• If you need help quitting, your pharmacy can provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches and gums.
• Many pharmacies also offer counseling and support for those trying to stop smoking.

4. Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening

• Our pharmacies offer cholesterol and blood sugar testing to detect early signs of risk factors.
• Our pharmacists can interpret results and provide lifestyle guidance.

5. Medication Reviews

• If you’re taking multiple medications, pharmacists can help ensure that everything is working effectively and safely together.
• This is especially helpful for those on blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications.

6. Advice on Heart-Healthy Supplements

• Our pharmacists can recommend heart-friendly supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and magnesium, but it’s important to use them safely.

7. First-Line Help for Heart-Related Concerns

• If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or other symptoms, a pharmacist can quickly assess whether you need urgent medical attention.

Take Action for Your Heart This National Heart Month

Heart disease is preventable, and small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your overall health. During National Heart Month, take the opportunity to:
✅ Assess your risk factors (e.g., blood pressure, weight, cholesterol).
✅ Make one or two lifestyle improvements, such as eating healthier or exercising more.
✅ Visit your local pharmacy for heart health support, whether it’s monitoring blood pressure, weight loss advice, or quitting smoking.

Your pharmacist is here to help—take advantage of their expertise to keep your heart strong and healthy for years to come!