American Heart Month arrives every February alongside familiar Valentine decorations, but the hearts seen throughout the month represent more than romance. They are crucial reminders of cardiovascular health and the ongoing impact of heart disease across the United States. Heart month awareness focuses attention on prevention, education, and compassionate care for those living with advanced cardiac illness. For hospice providers, it is also a time to emphasize the value of early planning and supportive care when heart disease progresses.

American Heart Month highlights the reality that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for nearly 700,000 deaths each year, affecting men and women across all racial and ethnic groups. These numbers reinforce why healthy heart month initiatives matter for individuals of every age, not only those already diagnosed with cardiac conditions.

The month of the heart is intended to encourage people to understand their risk factors, recognize symptoms earlier, and make informed decisions about long-term care. While many discussions focus on prevention, there is equal importance in understanding how to manage advanced heart disease with dignity and comfort.

The history of American Heart Month is rooted in personal experience and public health advocacy. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had suffered a heart attack himself, officially designated February as American Heart Month. His proclamation elevated national awareness and encouraged both medical professionals and the public to prioritize heart health.

Closely tied to this effort is the history of the American Heart Association, which dates back to 1924. The organization has played a critical role in cardiovascular research, education, and treatment guidelines for over a century. These combined efforts laid the foundation for what is now widely recognized as American Heart Health Month, an annual campaign promoting prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care.

Heart disease is not a single condition. It includes coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disorders. Many people live for years managing symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes. However, advanced heart disease often brings increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention, anxiety, and frequent hospitalizations.

During Heart Month in February, it is important to acknowledge that not all cardiac conditions respond to aggressive treatment. When symptoms become severe or treatments no longer provide relief, patients and families face difficult decisions. This is where hospice care becomes a vital part of the conversation.

While not all heart disease can be prevented, evidence-based strategies can help slow progression and improve quality of life. Common recommendations supported by national health organizations include:

These practices are central to heart month awareness efforts, yet they may become difficult or unrealistic for individuals with advanced illness. Hospice care shifts the focus from disease control to comfort, symptom relief, and emotional support.

Hospice care is often misunderstood as a last step taken only in the final days of life. In reality, early hospice involvement offers meaningful benefits for patients with progressive heart disease. Studies consistently show that patients who receive hospice earlier experience better symptom control, fewer emergency room visits, and greater satisfaction with care.

For patients living with advanced cardiac conditions, hospice provides:

Choosing hospice early allows patients to focus on comfort and quality of life while maintaining control over their care goals. During American Heart Month, this perspective is essential in broadening how heart health is defined beyond prevention alone.

Participating in American Heart Health Month does not require grand gestures. It begins with honest reflection about personal health, family history, and care preferences. For some, that may mean scheduling a cardiac screening or learning new nutrition strategies. For others, it may involve meaningful conversations about future care needs.

Ways to observe February heart month include:

These actions align with the deeper intent of the month of the heart, which is not only about living longer but also about living better.

At Ascend Hospice Care, heart-centered care is not symbolic. It is reflected in every interaction with patients and families facing serious illness. Our experienced hospice team understands the unique challenges of advanced heart disease and provides compassionate guidance through every stage.

We believe that hospice is most effective when introduced early, allowing time to build trust, proactively manage symptoms, and support emotional well-being. Alongside medical care, we offer counseling, spiritual support, and bereavement services that extend to families long after a loss.

During American Heart Month, we encourage patients and caregivers to explore all care options with clarity and confidence. If you or a loved one is living with advanced heart disease and experiencing declining quality of life, early hospice involvement can make a meaningful difference. Our team is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer peace of mind rooted in experience and compassion.