Love Your Heart at Home: How RN-Led Care Supports Cardiac Health This February

February brings more than Valentine's Day chocolates and cozy sweaters, it's American Heart Month, a time to focus on the health of our most vital organ. For women especially, heart health deserves our attention. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States? Yet so many of us put everyone else's needs first, forgetting to listen to what our own hearts are telling us.​

Here's the truth: our hearts give us signals, and when we're caring for aging parents or managing a household, it's easy to miss them. That's why this February, we're talking about something that matters deeply, how to protect the heart health of the women we love, including ourselves, and how expert care at home can make all the difference.
 

Why Women's Heart Health Needs Special Attention

If you've ever felt exhausted for no reason, experienced unexplained back pain, or woken up with jaw discomfort, you might have brushed it off as stress or aging. But here's what many women don't know: these can be early warning signs of heart disease.​

Women's heart attack symptoms look different from men's. While chest pain is still the most common symptom, women are far more likely to experience:​

• Unusual, persistent fatigue (this can show up weeks or even months before a heart attack)

• Shortness of breath without exertion

• Nausea or stomach upset that feels like indigestion

• Upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or tightness

• Jaw, neck, or shoulder pain

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Cold sweats and anxiety

These symptoms are often dismissed as "just stress" or attributed to other conditions, which leads to dangerous delays in treatment. Women over 65 are especially at risk for "silent" heart attacks, heart attacks that go unrecognized because the symptoms are so subtle.​

The statistics are sobering: 80% of women between ages 40 and 60 have at least one risk factor for heart disease. And because heart disease has been studied primarily in men, many women, and even some healthcare providers, don't recognize the warning signs in time.​

That's why awareness matters. That's why American Heart Month matters. And that's why having a care partner who understands these nuances can literally save lives.
 

The Role of RN-Led Home Care in Heart Health

At BrightStar Care of Howard County, every single care plan is overseen by a Registered Nurse. This isn't just a nice feature, it's a game-changer when it comes to managing heart health at home.​

Why? Because heart disease isn't something you "fix" once and forget about. It requires ongoing monitoring, medication management, lifestyle changes, and someone who knows what to watch for. When your loved one comes home from the hospital after a cardiac event, the real work of recovery begins. And that's where our RN-led approach makes a profound difference.
 

What Makes RN-Led Cardiac Care Different

Our registered nurses don't just follow instructions, they use their clinical expertise to assess, adapt, and advocate. Here's what that looks like in real life:

Medication Management That Prevents Errors

After a heart attack or heart failure diagnosis, seniors are often prescribed multiple medications: blood thinners, beta-blockers, statins, and more. Missing a dose or taking medications incorrectly can have serious consequences. Our RNs create medication schedules, use smart reminders, coordinate with pharmacies, and monitor for side effects. They catch potential drug interactions before they become problems.​

Vital Sign Monitoring and Early Intervention

Heart health requires vigilant monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and weight. Our nurses track these indicators and know when a change signals something more serious. With our proprietary Care Paths technology, we can even predict and prevent complications before they lead to another hospital visit.​

Personalized Recovery Plans

Every heart is different, and so is every recovery. Our RNs work directly with your loved one's cardiologist to design a care plan tailored to their specific condition—whether they're recovering from bypass surgery, managing heart failure, or adjusting to life after a heart attack. This includes guidance on safe activity levels, cardiac rehabilitation exercises at home, and gradual return to independence.​

Family Education and Peace of Mind

We don't just care for your loved one, we partner with you. Our nurses teach family members what to watch for, how to respond to symptoms, and when to call the doctor. They answer questions, provide reassurance, and give you the confidence to support your loved one's recovery.​
 

Post-Hospital Cardiac Care: Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Home

Nearly half of all Medicare patients who are hospitalized for a cardiac event need some form of post-acute care when they return home. That's a significant number, and it reflects just how complex cardiac recovery can be.​

The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable time. You're managing new medications, trying to understand discharge instructions, arranging follow-up appointments, and worrying about every symptom. Research shows that having professional home care during this period can reduce hospital readmission rates and improve overall outcomes.​

At BrightStar Care of Howard County, we specialize in short-term transitional care for cardiac patients. Our services include:​

• Heart attack/AMI recovery support: Education on lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and recognizing warning signs

• Heart failure management: Daily monitoring, diet planning, exercise guidance, and symptom tracking

• Post-operative cardiac care: Wound care, mobility assistance, pain management, and rehabilitation support

• Emotional and mental health support: Reducing anxiety, providing companionship, and helping your loved one adjust to their new normal

We understand that recovering at home isn't just about medical care, it's about comfort, familiarity, and being surrounded by the people and things you love. Our caregivers create a nurturing environment that promotes healing while giving families the support they need.​
 

Heart-Healthy Living: Small Changes, Big Impact

While expert care is essential, there's so much we can do at home to support heart health every day. Here are heart-healthy habits we encourage for all our clients:​

Nutrition That Nourishes

A heart-healthy diet doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on:

• Colorful fruits and vegetables (aim for variety)

• Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa

• Lean proteins such as fish, skinless chicken, beans, and lentils

• Healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, and nuts

• Limited sodium (watch for hidden salt in processed foods)

Our caregivers can help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing delicious heart-healthy meals that your loved one will actually enjoy.​

Movement That Matters

Physical activity is vital for heart health, but it needs to be done safely, especially after a cardiac event. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but that doesn't mean jumping into a rigorous routine. Our caregivers and physical therapists work with seniors to create gentle, progressive exercise plans that build strength without overexertion.​

Stress Management

Stress takes a toll on the heart. We encourage practices like deep breathing, gentle stretching, staying connected with loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring joy. Sometimes, just having a caring companion who listens and understands can reduce stress significantly.​

Regular Monitoring

Knowing your numbers matters. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and weight are all important indicators of heart health. We help seniors track these metrics and communicate changes to their healthcare team.​
 

Why Choose BrightStar Care of Howard County

When it comes to cardiac care, experience and expertise matter. Here's what sets us apart:

Joint Commission Accreditation

We're one of the few home care agencies required to meet the same rigorous standards as major hospitals like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. This means our quality of care, safety protocols, and staff training are held to the highest national standards.​

RN Oversight for Every Client

Unlike many home care agencies, every single one of our clients, even those receiving companion care, has their care plan managed by a Registered Nurse. This ensures clinical oversight and expert decision-making at every step.​

Award-Winning Care

BrightStar Care of Howard County was honored with the 2024 Best of Home Care Provider of Choice Award, recognizing our exceptional client and caregiver satisfaction. This isn't just about what we do, it's about how we do it, with compassion, respect, and genuine care.​

Comprehensive Services Under One Roof

From skilled nursing and medication management to companionship and respite care, we offer the full spectrum of support. Whether your loved one needs post-surgical recovery assistance or ongoing chronic disease management, we're here for every stage of the journey.​
 

This February, Choose Heart Health

American Heart Month is a reminder that the best gift we can give the women we love, including ourselves, is attention to heart health. It's about recognizing symptoms early, seeking expert care, and creating a lifestyle that supports a strong, healthy heart.

If you or a loved one is managing heart disease, recovering from a cardiac event, or simply wants to protect heart health as you age, we're here to help. Our RN-led team brings clinical expertise, compassionate care, and a deep commitment to helping seniors thrive at home.

Ready to learn more about how BrightStar Care of Howard County can support your family's heart health?

📞 (410) 910-9425
🌐 www.brightstarcare.com/locations/howard-county
📍 7060 Oakland Mills Rd Suite P, Columbia, MD 21046
⭐ Our Google Business Profile

Let's make this February the month you put heart health first, for yourself and the ones you love.