February is American Heart Month

February marks American Heart Month, an annual reminder that heart health matters for all of us, whether we are prioritizing daily cardiovascular exercise, eating a balanced diet, or adhering to medication regimens prescribed for conditions such as high blood pressure. One of the most basic, accessible ways to check on your cardiovascular status is by monitoring your blood pressure. Although this sounds straightforward, accuracy is essential and proper technique matters whether you are measuring at home or in a clinician’s office. To ensure reliable results, sit comfortably with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and uncrossed, and your arm at heart level; use a properly sized upper-arm cuff, and take multiple readings spaced a minute or two apart for a clear picture of your numbers. If you are unsure how to take blood pressure correctly, consult your physician or health professional for guidance before interpreting your results.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), normal blood pressure is defined as a reading less than 120/80 mm Hg, while elevated blood pressure falls in the range of 120–129 systolic with a diastolic reading below 80. Stage 1 hypertension includes systolic readings between 130–139 or diastolic between 80–89, and Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 140 or higher or diastolic of 90 or higher. For better visualization, see attached chart. It is important to emphasize that physicians typically do not diagnose hypertension from a single reading; rather, they rely on multiple measurements over time to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. Keeping a home blood pressure log can be extremely helpful for your clinician, recording morning and evening readings over days or weeks gives valuable insight into your blood pressure trends, which is far more informative than a solitary snapshot taken during a 20–30 minute office visit. Maintaining your blood pressure within a healthy range is critical because persistent high pressure places chronic stress on blood vessels and organs. Over time, this stress can lead to damage first seen in smaller vessels, such as those in the eyes, and progress to more serious complications including heart failure, kidney disease, or stroke; this is why hypertension is often referred to as “the silent killer,” since severe damage may occur without obvious symptoms.

In addition to blood pressure monitoring, the AHA highlights the importance of lifestyle habits known to support heart health (such as following the DASH dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting sodium and alcohol intake, and managing stress and sleep quality) because these factors influence blood pressure and overall cardiovascular risk. Especially during February, when colder temperatures can contribute to elevated readings due to vessel constriction and changes in activity patterns, staying vigilant with blood pressure checks is worthwhile for local residents.

Finally, while blood pressure is a cornerstone of cardiovascular risk assessment, comprehensive heart health also includes discussions about cholesterol management, rhythm abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation, and routine screenings based on age and risk factors. By knowing your numbers, taking medications as prescribed, and partnering with your health care provider, you can take meaningful action this American Heart Month to protect your heart now and into the future. (Sources: American Heart Association blood pressure guidelines and monitoring recommendations.)

Citation: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001356#sec-6-1