American Heart Month: Understanding & Preventing Heart Disease | February 2024

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is offering quick, noninvasive heart screenings throughout February, coinciding with American Heart Month, according to a report from KATV.

American Heart Month is an annual observance established to raise awareness of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a communications toolkit for the month, aimed at disseminating information and promoting preventative measures.

The Cardiology Advisor reports that American Heart Month has a history rooted in a 1963 presidential proclamation by Lyndon B. Johnson, designating February as a time to focus on cardiovascular health. The initiative aimed to address the growing prevalence of heart disease and its impact on the nation.

Alongside screenings, the American Heart Association is emphasizing the importance of CPR training, noting that swift intervention can be life-saving in cases of cardiac arrest. The organization highlights that knowing CPR skills equips communities to respond effectively during critical moments.

The UAMS screenings are described as noninvasive, suggesting a focus on early detection and preventative care. Details regarding the specific screenings offered and their availability were not immediately available.