February isn’t just about candy hearts and Valentine’s Day. It’s also American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and the steps we can take to protect heart health.
Heart disease includes a range of conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrythmias, valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. It remains the leading cause of death in the United States and one of the leading causes worldwide. Beyond its human toll, heart disease also places a significant burden on healthcare systems and communities, costing billions each year in medical care, medications and lost productivity.
Understanding Risk Factors
Heart disease often develops silently. Many people don’t realize they’re at risk until they experience serious symptoms such as a heart attack, heart failure or an irregular heartbeat.
- Common risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
Other conditions and lifestyle factors, such as diabetes, obesity, unhealthy eating patterns, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use, can also increase the risk of heart disease.
The good news is that many risk factors can be tracked and managed with the right tools, support and healthy habits.
How CareFirst Supports Heart Health
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) offers resources to help members manage their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Members living with heart disease can also access Nurse Care Managers, who provide personalized guidance to help them better understand and manage their condition.
In addition, our Engagement Centers host community events and health education opportunities focused on topics like hypertension, healthy eating and diabetes prevention—helping promote heart-healthy lifestyles and long-term well-being.
Healthy Habits That Make a Difference
Eating Well
Eating foods high in saturated fat and trans fat can increase the risk of heart disease. Choosing foods high in fiber and lower in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can help support healthy cholesterol levels and protect heart health.
CareFirst WellBeing℠ is a personalized app that offers tailored resources and tools to support healthy nutrition and weight management. Eligible members can track eating habits and build balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy.
Staying Active
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Even moderate movement can make a meaningful difference over time. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has tips on how to get started and make physical activity part of a routine.
CareFirst WellBeing provides insights, programs and challenges tailored to individual fitness goals. Blue365 also offers discounts on fitness gear, gym memberships and family activities to help make staying active more accessible.
CareFirst Engagement Centers further support heart health by hosting free community activities—such as yoga, dance, Pilates and boxing classes—that encourage movement and connection.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a major contributor to heart disease and is responsible for a significant share of cardiovascular‑related deaths. Quitting smoking improves heart health and lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer and lung disease.
The CDC offers resources to help people quit, including guidance on withdrawal symptoms, quit-smoking medications and quitlines. CareFirst members can also access Craving to Quit, a 21-day program designed to help participants recognize and change tobacco-related cravings and habits.
Raising Awareness Together
Every year, CareFirst participates in local Heart Walks across the region to support heart health and lifesaving research. In 2025, more than 400 CareFirst Difference Makers came together to raise nearly $75,000 for heart-health initiatives across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Protecting Your Heart for the Future
Taking care of your heart is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall health. Raising awareness about heart disease and making smart choices—such as staying active, eating well, managing stress and quitting smoking—can help reduce risk and support long‑term well-being.
CareFirst is here to help with resources, tools and community support designed to make healthy habits easier to start and sustain. With consistency and balance, you can lower your risk and maintain a healthy heart well into the future.