February is American Heart Month, and CHRISTUS Health is reminding the community of the importance of caring for the body’s most vital organ through prevention, early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices.

For long-time nurse Susan Hall, focusing on heart health is deeply personal.

Hall, 71, began her own cardiac journey decades ago when diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, a heart condition where the mitral valve flaps become stretchy and bulge backward into the left atrium during heart contraction.

 

In 2023, she developed worsening shortness of breath and afternoon fatigue, even after losing 40 pounds. Her cardiologist discovered that her aortic valve was about half its expected size with abnormal tissue growth.

 

Dr. John Evans, a cardiovascular surgeon at CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute in Shreveport, told Hall she had a 50 percent chance of surviving for two years without intervention.

 

Evans performed an aortic valve replacement procedure and after completing three months of cardiac rehabilitation, Hall returned to an active life—traveling to New York City with her granddaughter, navigating approximately 27 flights of stairs, and now planning a return trip to Costa Rica.

 

At her urging, Hall’s daughter and son have since undergone heart screenings, and her son was found to have a heart murmur.

 

“Caring for my heart has become a top priority in my life and my family life,” Hall said. “It’s a daily reminder to be thankful, remain active and pay close attention to my health.”

 

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults in the United States, killing about 916,000 Americans each year.

Heart disease includes coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease.

Evans said many types of heart disease can be detected early and managed through proactive care.

 

“Preventive care remains our most powerful defense against heart disease,” he said. “Maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a heart-healthy diet, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control and scheduling regular visits with a primary care provider may seem simple, but these steps can significantly improve heart health.”

 

Dr. Timothy Danish, cardiovascular surgeon with CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute in Shreveport, agreed, noting that heart-healthy movement does not need to be complicated.

 

“Regular exercise can be as simple as incorporating daily movement into your routine,” he said.  “Thirty minutes a day can significantly reduce heart disease risk, and when practiced consistently, these small habits help protect the heart over time.”

 

Regular check-ins with a primary care provider can help track personal risk factors, identify warning signs early, and guide patients toward additional testing or specialist care when needed.

 

To learn more about heart health or to schedule a screening, visit our website.