February is Heart Month, and we, as a society, focus on ways to care for the pump called “The Heart.” Many caregivers are caring for loved ones diagnosed with many heart conditions. Some conditions can be acute(meaning they occur suddenly), while most are chronic, meaning they manage a heart condition daily. It is hard to admit that heart disease is widespread. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death in most racial and ethnic groups( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
I have cared for many heart conditions as a cardiovascular nurse. Many of my patients were elderly. Due to the lack of understanding in managing heart disease, hospital admissions occur more often than not. When caregivers do not know how to manage heart disease, bad things can happen.
As a caregiver advocate, I am raising awareness of heart disease, especially in the African American community. Any role I can play to educate and inform is my reasonable service. Access, delay in care, and financial restraints are usually barriers in African American communities, so sounding the alarm to pay attention is necessary. Caregivers, you must ask questions to increase your knowledge of heart disease.
Aging causes changes in the heart and blood vessels. What heart conditions(cardiovascular health) are of concern? High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking are three areas that can turn into significant heart conditions. If loved ones have had a heart attack, stroke, or vascular disease, all can create many complications in the home if not managed. Medications prescribed must be taken as directed. Nutritional changes must be followed, like limiting high-salt foods, fried foods, and empty calories like all those wonderful snacks we enjoy.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, we have only one heart to give to our country. There are always things we can do to take care of it, even in our aging years. Action items can be simple and inexpensive to care for the heart. If you need more insight on heart management, visit my website for a consultation. I am all about being proactive, and caregivers loved ones need your help to ensure they remain stable and have good heart health. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman, a retired registered nurse and case manager, is the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released several books, including The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.