Heart disease, the silent thief of more than 15,000 lives each year in Missouri alone, stands as the Show-Me state’s most formidable foe. February, a month synonymous with hearts for more reasons than one, marks not only the celebration of Valentine’s Day but also the observance of American Heart Month. Since 1964, this period has been a clarion call to action against the nation’s leading cause of death, as underscored by the American Heart Association.
Damon Motley, a seasoned cardiopulmonary rehabilitation nurse at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, sheds light on the grim reality: ‘One in four Americans will die of heart disease every year,’ and ‘one in three women will be diagnosed with a heart problem every year.’ The prevalence of heart disease is such that it touches the lives of nearly everyone, making it a personal battle for many.
The symptoms of heart disease, including crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea, are harbingers of a potentially imminent heart attack. Motley emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs and seeking advanced screening. He advocates for routine health screenings, stating, ‘To prevent heart disease, you need to know your numbers and risk factors.’ These screenings are vital in the early detection and management of heart disease.
Prevention, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. Intervention, or lifestyle modifications, is equally critical. This includes increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and ensuring adequate sleep. These changes, while seemingly simple, can have a profound impact on heart health.
The American Heart Association, celebrating a century of service, has recently highlighted the importance of CPR knowledge through a survey. The findings reveal a positive trend in the public’s willingness to perform CPR, yet also point to a significant gap in awareness. To bridge this gap, the Association is building a ‘Nation of Lifesavers’—a community empowered with the skills to perform CPR and act in cardiac emergencies.
The survey indicates a need for widespread CPR training, with only a few respondents confident in their ability to perform CPR and even fewer familiar with Hands-Only CPR. The Association’s goal is clear: to ensure that every family is equipped to respond in a cardiac emergency. They offer four ways to learn CPR, including online resources, at-home kits, group courses, and workplace training initiatives.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, a cardiac arrest survivor, has become a national ambassador for the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers. His message is powerful: ‘You never know when it’s going to be your opportunity to step in and save a life.’
As we observe American Heart Month, it’s essential to recognize the role of nurses like Damon Motley and organizations like the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease. Their efforts in prevention, education, and training are vital in turning the tide against this pervasive health issue. For more information or to find a training, visit www.heart.org/nation.
The battle against heart disease is multifaceted, requiring awareness, prevention, intervention, and the readiness to act in emergencies. It’s a battle we all have a stake in, and with the guidance of dedicated healthcare professionals and the support of organizations like the American Heart Association, it’s one we can face together.
Related posts:
One nurse weights in on the fight against heart disease during American Heart Month
Observing American Heart Month: Answering the Call to Improve Cardiovascular Health
Women and Heart Disease
