February for Hearts

Valentine's Day represents the metaphorical heart - but February also plays a role in physical heart heath awareness.

What has been happening with heart health in the US?

14 February 2025 - CAPE COD, MA - Valentine's Day represents the metaphorical heart - but February also plays a role in physical heart heath awareness. Cardiologist Dr. Lawrence McAulifee shares tips for healthy hearts, updates on significant breakthroughs in cardio-vascular health techniques over the past decade, and warning flags for using today's injectable weight loss drugs.

What is cardio-vascular health awareness month?

February is cardio-vascular health awareness month - and Dr. McAulifee says that cardio-vascular disease continues to represent the number 1 cause of death across the industrialized world.   That's why he - and others participating in national awareness month -  want to stress what he describes as the importance of identifying cardio-vascular disease before it even starts.  This ranges from learning CPR to making core lifestyle changes toward a healthier diet and more physical activity. 

What has changed in last 10 years for heart health?

Over the last 10 years, we have seen a revolution in both diagnostics and treatment, said Dr McAulifee. Newer, non-invasive tests and techniques can identify cardio-vascular health issues, enabling early treatment. The treatments themselves have evolved dramatically as well, both tools and technlogy as well as pharmacology.

What is the relationship between weight loss drugs and the heart?

However, one of those new breakthroughs may not be as miraculous as it seems at first blush. New weight loss drugs like semaglutide may counter the risk factor of obesity, but theydon't bring a magic solution.

Dr McAulifee said that while they may at first they seem exciting in terms of bringing down weight, alone they do not represent a long-term solution. Lifestyle change lies behind the lasting risk reduction.  He cautioned using the drugs to lose weight without  also changing diet and exercise behavior might provide a jumpstart on weight loss,  but that's only the first step;  accompanying lifestyle change remains key. He noted that he often see patients start on weight loss path, only to lose momentum and end up with no meaningful changes.

People may not always want to hear it, but the way we live remains a key risk factor and no magic medicine has changed that, regardless of marketing messages. "I can remember back in 60s President Kennedy launched a 'get fit' program throughout the nation at high school and middle school levels to establish benchmarks for physical activities. That's 60 years ago ... " he said. "With new modalities, simple things like diet and activity has been pushed to the wayside."

Do genetics play a role?

Genetics do play a role in heart health as well. For those with a family history pf cardio-vascular disease, it becomes more important to not only focus on diet and exercise, but to also track risk factors and become proactive guardians of the heart.

More information:

American Heart Association's American Heart Month

Cape Cod Health Care Be Heart Smart