February: Heart Health Month and Why This Month Matters to Me

February: Heart Health Month and Why This Month Matters to Me
By Dana Dorris

February Is the month of love with a very distinct symbol, the heart.  This month always brings me pause and I love hearts, but not just the ones on Valentine’s cards.

It’s American Heart Month, a time dedicated to shining a spotlight on cardiovascular health for everyone, from infants to adults. While most people think about heart disease in adults with campaigns like Go Red for Women, February also brings Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (Feb. 7–14), reminding us that heart conditions begin at the very start of life.

For my family, bringing awareness to congenital heart defects is personal. Both of my daughters underwent open-heart surgery as babies because they were born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). Their courage, the marvels of pediatric cardiology, and the incredible support of specialists have shaped my mission: to raise awareness, share facts, and encourage proactive care for every heart – big and small.

Congenital Heart Defects are the Most Common Birth Defect Congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect in the United States, affecting nearly 1% of all births, about 40,000 babies each year. 
While not every congenital defect is severe, many require surgery or catheter-based treatments soon after birth.
Congenital Heart Defects Affect People for Life Thanks to medical advances, more babies born with CHDs are surviving into adulthood. In fact, there are millions of people living today with some form of CHD, including children and adults alike. (Thankfully this is the case with my daughters).
Symptoms Aren’t Always Obvious Some CHDs are detected before birth using fetal imaging; others are discovered shortly after delivery during newborn screenings, or even later if symptoms appear.
Early Detection Saves Lives Newborn pulse oximetry and early exams can catch critical heart defects early, often making the difference between life and death.

BE AWARE: Because CHDs are so common, every new parent or caregiver should know the signs and what to look for: Watch for: Trouble breathing; Poor feeding or slow weight gain; Blueish lips or fingernails (cyanosis); Extreme fatigue or sleeping a lot – as these could be symptoms of a more serious heart condition.

Be your child’s best advocate: If you hear a heart murmur, insist on evaluation – not just once, but by a pediatric cardiologist. Ask about newborn pulse-ox screening.
MOST IMPORTANT If something doesn’t feel right, trust your parental instincts and seek specialist care.

Whether it’s heart disease in adults or congenital heart defects in newborns our hearts deserve our attention every day. February gives us a national moment to unite, to check in with our loved ones, and most importantly, to listen to our bodies.  Take care of your heart.  Listen to your body.  Ask questions, insist on answers, and don’t be afraid to seek specialty care.  Because every heartbeat matters.