By: Nina Arnold, MPH, ACM-RN, CHWC
Manager, Care Management
February is Heart Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on prevention, early intervention, and long-term management of cardiovascular conditions. At SoNE HEALTH, our Population Health Management team is committed to supporting patients with chronic heart conditions by addressing risk factors early and providing ongoing, coordinated care.
Understanding Congestive Heart Failure
As the population ages, the number of people with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) continues to rise. Despite its name, heart failure is not a sudden event, but rather a chronic, progressive condition that often develops over time when other heart-related conditions are not well controlled.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease place added strain on the heart. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart muscle and reduce its ability to pump blood effectively, eventually leading to heart failure.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
When the heart cannot pump efficiently, fluid may build up throughout the body. Common symptoms of CHF include:
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying down
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or reduced ability to perform daily activities
- Sudden weight gain related to fluid retention
Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical care can help prevent complications and hospitalizations.
Living With Heart Failure
A diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure is lifelong, but it can be effectively managed. Today’s medications and treatment plans are proven to improve heart function, reduce fluid buildup, and help patients breathe easier and stay active. Certain medication regimens have been proven to reduce mortality rates and the need for hospitalization in people with heart failure.
Regular follow-up with a primary care provider (PCP) and cardiologist is essential. These visits allow care teams to:
- Monitor symptoms and overall heart function
- Adjust medications as needed
- Manage related conditions such as hypertension or diabetes
- Identify concerns before they become serious
SoNE HEALTH’s population health approach ensures patients receive consistent support across their care journey.
Everyday Habits That Support Heart Health
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle choices play a powerful role in managing heart failure and supporting long-term heart health. Patients are encouraged to:
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Choose low-sodium, heart-healthy foods
- Stay physically active with provider-approved exercise, such as regular walking
- Maintain a healthy sleep routine
- Manage stress through relaxation, social connection, or mindfulness practices
Small, sustainable changes can lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life.
A Heart-to-Heart This February
This February, take time for a heart-to-heart with yourself. Prioritize heart-healthy choices, take medications as prescribed, stay active, and lean on the support of family, friends, and your healthcare team.
Your primary care provider plays a vital role in coordinating your care and helping you navigate life with heart disease. At SoNE HEALTH, we are here to partner with patients every step of the way because caring for the heart means caring for the whole person.
* Educational content informed by guidance from the American Heart Association.