American Heart Month highlights prevention, screenings and simple diet changes to protect your heart
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women, according to the American Heart Association. As February marks American Heart Month, medical experts say it’s a timely reminder that everyday lifestyle choices can play a major role in long-term heart health.
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows heart disease claims a life every 34 seconds nationwide — underscoring the importance of prevention and early screening.
Prevention starts long before treatment
Dr. Vedant Gupta with the University of Kentucky says many people focus on procedures and treatments, but the biggest impact comes from prevention.
“Everybody is worried about the next big stent or the next big procedure and really, the most effective techniques are preventative techniques — what can we do to avoid and prevent heart disease as opposed to treating it when it occurs,” Gupta said.
Gupta says heart health strategies should be tailored to each person, taking into account family history, cholesterol levels, inflammation, and even imaging tests like calcium scoring to identify risk early.
He also notes that modern technology — including wearable devices that track heart rhythm, sleep, and activity — can be helpful, but should be used thoughtfully.
“These wearables are wonderful in many ways, but it’s a lot of data,” Gupta said. “The question becomes how do you use that information to improve your health — are you getting enough sleep, are you staying active?”
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference
Experts say routine screenings, staying active several times a week, quitting smoking, and managing stress are all important steps toward lowering heart disease risk.
Nutrition is another key factor. Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner encourages people to focus on “positive nutrition” — adding heart-healthy foods rather than only cutting things out.
“I’m a big fan of what’s called positive nutrition and what you can add to your diet,” Blatner said. “One of my favorite things for heart health is sweet potatoes.”
Blatner calls sweet potatoes an “orange superfood,” noting they contain fiber, potassium, and vitamin A — nutrients that support cholesterol levels and healthy blood pressure.
She also emphasizes that meals need to be practical for busy families, sharing examples like sweet potato smoothies for breakfast, fajita-stuffed sweet potatoes for quick lunches, and grain bowls with lean protein for dinner.
Focus on balance, not perfection
Health experts say the goal during American Heart Month isn’t perfection — it’s awareness. Adding more colorful foods to your plate, staying consistent with screenings, and making small changes over time can all help improve heart health.
Doctors stress that even modest improvements in diet, exercise, and sleep habits can reduce risk and help people take control of their cardiovascular health.
