The Connection Between National Heart Month and Advance Care Planning

Every February, National Heart Month raises awareness about heart health and encourages people to take steps to prevent heart disease. While the focus often lies on diet, exercise, and medical checkups, there is another important aspect that deserves attention: advance care planning. This connection might not be obvious at first, but understanding how heart health and planning for future medical care intersect can empower individuals and families to face health challenges with confidence and clarity.

This post explores why National Heart Month and advance care planning go hand in hand, how they complement each other, and practical steps to take during this awareness month to protect your heart and your future.

Why National Heart Month Matters

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 18 million deaths annually. National Heart Month aims to reduce this number by promoting heart-healthy habits and early detection of risk factors.

Key messages during this month include:

• Understanding risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes

• Encouraging lifestyle changes like balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management

• Promoting regular health screenings to catch problems early

  
  

These efforts help people live longer, healthier lives. But what happens if heart disease progresses despite prevention? This is where advance care planning becomes crucial.

Why Advance Care Planning Matters

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your preferences for medical care in case you become unable to communicate your decisions. It involves:

• Choosing a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney

• Writing advance directives or living wills

• Discussing values and wishes with family and healthcare providers

  
  

The goal is to ensure that your medical care aligns with your values, especially during serious illness or emergencies.

How Heart Health and Advance Care Planning Intersect

Heart disease can lead to sudden or progressive health crises, such as heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke. These events may result in situations where individuals cannot express their wishes about treatments like resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, or feeding tubes.

Advance care planning helps by:

• Providing clear guidance to healthcare teams during emergencies

• Reducing stress and uncertainty for family members when making decisions

• Respecting patient autonomy even when communication is impossible

  
  

By linking heart health awareness with advance care planning, National Heart Month encourages people to prepare not only to prevent heart disease but also to face its potential consequences thoughtfully.

Discussions with the healthcare team regarding advance care planning are important.

Taking time during National Heart Month to complete advance care planning documents can provide peace of mind.

Practical Steps to Combine Heart Health and Advance Care Planning

Here are actionable ways to use National Heart Month as a prompt to address both heart health and future care preferences:

1. Schedule a Heart Health Checkup

Visit your healthcare provider for a comprehensive heart evaluation. This includes measuring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as discussing lifestyle habits. Early detection can prevent complications. During this evaluation, have an open discussion about your treatment preferences. Discuss DNR, Artificial Nutrition, DNI, and other medical situations that may arise.

2. Learn About Your Heart Disease Risk

Use tools like the American Heart Association’s risk calculator to understand your chances of developing heart disease. Knowing your risk can motivate lifestyle changes and medical follow-up. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator

3. Start the Advance Care Planning Conversation

Talk with your loved ones about your values and wishes related to medical care. This conversation can be difficult, but it is essential for ensuring your preferences are known.

4. Complete Advance Care Documents

Fill out advance directives or living wills that specify your treatment preferences. Designate a healthcare proxy who can make decisions on your behalf if needed.

5. Share Your Plans

Give copies of your advance care documents to your healthcare provider, family members, and anyone involved in your care. Make sure they know where to find these documents in an emergency.

Real-Life Examples of Why Planning Matters

Consider the story of John, a 65-year-old man with a history of heart disease. After a severe heart attack, he was unconscious and unable to communicate. Because John had completed advance care planning, his family and doctors knew he did not want aggressive life support if recovery was unlikely. This clarity helped avoid unnecessary treatments and honored his wishes.

On the other hand, Sarah, a 58-year-old woman with heart failure, had not discussed her care preferences. When she became critically ill, her family faced difficult decisions without guidance, leading to confusion and conflict. This example shows how advance care planning can ease emotional burdens during crises.

Overcoming Barriers to Advance Care Planning

Many people hesitate to engage in advance care planning due to discomfort with discussing death, lack of knowledge, or uncertainty about how to start. National Heart Month offers a natural opportunity to overcome these barriers by:

• Providing educational resources about heart disease and advance care planning

• Encouraging healthcare providers to initiate conversations during heart health visits

• Offering community workshops or online tools to guide the process

  
  

Taking small steps during this month can lead to meaningful progress.

The Role of Healthcare Providers and Families

Healthcare providers play a key role in linking heart health with advance care planning. They can:

• Educate patients about the importance of planning alongside heart disease management

• Provide easy-to-understand materials and forms

• Support patients in making informed decisions

  
  

Families also contribute by:

• Encouraging open discussions about health and care preferences

• Respecting and supporting the patient’s choices

• Being prepared to advocate for loved ones during emergencies

  
  
  
  

Looking Ahead: Making Advance Care Planning a Habit

Advance care planning is not a one-time event. It requires regular review and updates as health status and personal values change. National Heart Month can serve as an annual reminder to revisit your plans and keep them up to date.

Heart health and advance care planning are two sides of the same coin. Taking care of your heart today and preparing for the future ensures you live with strength and dignity. Use this National Heart Month to take control of your health and your care.

Start by scheduling a heart checkup, then open the conversation about your wishes. Your future self and your loved ones will thank you.

Start your advance care planning conversations today by scheduling a free, complimentary appointment with Doula by Destiny, Valoria Walker.