February Is American Heart Month: Understanding the Organ That Keeps Us Alive
- Grace. T
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
February Is Albertan Heart Month: Understanding the Organ That Keeps Us Alive
February is recognized as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to understanding the heart, how it works, and why protecting cardiovascular health matters at every age. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in North America—but many risk factors are preventable through education, early awareness, and lifestyle changes.
This month's series will walk nursing students and healthcare learners through how the heart functions, how it’s damaged, and how we protect it—clinically and personally.
What Does the Heart Do?
The heart is a muscular pump roughly the size of a clenched fist. It works continuously—about 100,000 beats per day—to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body while removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
Without effective cardiac function:
Organs fail
Cells suffocate
Consciousness is lost within seconds
This is why cardiac emergencies are true medical time bombs.
The Parts of the Heart and Their Functions
The heart is divided into four chambers, each with a distinct role:
Right Atrium – Receives oxygen-poor blood from the body
Right Ventricle – Sends blood to the lungs
Left Atrium – Receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs
Left Ventricle – Pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body
Valves ensure one-way blood flow, while coronary arteries supply the heart muscle itself—an often-overlooked detail until something goes wrong.
How Stress and Neglect Affect the Heart
The heart doesn’t just respond to physical exertion—it responds to life.
Chronic stress, emotional trauma, substance use, sleep deprivation, and long-term neglect can:
Increase blood pressure
Elevate cortisol levels
Promote inflammation
Accelerate arterial damage
From a nursing perspective, this matters because psychosocial stress is now recognized as a legitimate cardiovascular risk factor, not a “soft” one.
What Is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that includes conditions affecting:
The heart
Blood vessels
Circulation
Common CVD examples include:
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Arrhythmias
CVD is often silent for years before the first major event occurs.
What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the gradual buildup of plaque inside arteries. Over time, this:
Narrows blood vessels
Reduces oxygen delivery
Increases clot risk
If a plaque ruptures, it can cause:
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Stroke
Sudden cardiac death
This process doesn’t start in old age—it starts much earlier.
At What Age Does Heart Disease Start Now?
Current research shows early signs of atherosclerosis can begin:
In adolescence
Even childhood in high-risk populations
Factors contributing to earlier CVD onset include:
Ultra-processed diets
Sedentary lifestyles
Chronic stress
Early hypertension
Undiagnosed dyslipidemia
For nursing students, this reinforces a key lesson: Prevention and education start long before symptoms appear.
Why This Matters for Nursing Students and Healthcare Workers
Understanding cardiac health isn’t just about exams—it’s about:
Early recognition
Patient education
Emergency response
Long-term advocacy
This month, we’ll break cardiac topics into clear, usable knowledge you can apply in clinical settings and everyday life.
What’s Coming This Month 💓
Throughout February, we’ll explore:
Common heart conditions
Warning signs of cardiac emergencies
Lifestyle prevention strategies
Nursing-focused cardiac assessments
Real-world emergency response considerations
Medical & Educational Disclaimer
This educational content was developed by experienced emergency medical instructors at Saving Grace Medical Academy for nursing and healthcare education. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice or diagnosis.
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Just Remember:
Protect Yourself. Call 911.Don’t Waste Time.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Grace. T
Medical Content Writer
