Throughout February, national heart health month, health care providers strive to raise awareness about heart disease and ways to prevent it. Maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial for overall well-being and longevity. Maintaining heart health helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure and arrhythmias, which can significantly decrease quality of life and increase the risk of premature death.

Of course, it is important to seek regular primary care check-ups and monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your specific risks for cardiovascular disease based on your medical history.

Locally, Cape Fear Valley Health helps to ensure its patients have the best defense against heart disease with its cardiac rehabilitation program. The in-person health education and peer support program assists patients who have experienced either heart or lung issues related to their cardiovascular health.

Over a span of 12 weeks, the Cape Fear Valley cardiac rehab program teaches patients healthy lifestyle management skills and provides opportunities for patients to practice these skills in a group setting.

Focused on preventing future recurrences of cardiac problems, the rehab program covers topics such as achieving optimal nutrition, cooking healthy recipes, managing stress and mental health, and exercises to keep the cardiovascular system healthy. In addition to didactic learning, patients also have the opportunity to cook together, and to exercise under supervision of medical personnel in a gym setting.

Support groups are also part of the cardiac rehab program. Cape Fear Valley Heart Center, Volunteer Services and the CFV Foundation support a monthly in-person support group, Mended Hearts, which encourages recovered patients to meet. The Mended Hearts group has more information for members interested in becoming credentialed to visit patients on cardiac floors.

In addition to the cardiac rehab program for patients, the cardiac services team at Cape Fear Valley also accepts invitations to present on heart health at community meetings and events. These presentations include discussion on early heart attack signs and symptoms, prevention activities, and hands-only CPR techniques.

By adopting heart-healthy habits, managing risk factors, and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases, improve their quality of life, and increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives. Cape Fear Valley is here to provide the support you need to recover from cardiac events and stay on a healthy path.