This February, Novant Health is shining a spotlight on your heart — and no, you don’t need a dramatic movie scene to appreciate it.

Heart Month is all about simple, everyday ways to care for your heart and learning a few facts movies often get wrong.

Winter walks: A surprisingly heart-healthy move

Skipping walks because it’s cold outside? Think again: winter walks can actually boost your heart health.

Burn more calories in cooler temps
Support circulation
Walk longer without overheating

Pro tip: Layer up, stay safe, and embrace winter walks as a heart-healthy win (even if the sun sets early).

Heart attacks don’t always look like the movies

Real-life heart attacks are often quiet:

Pressure instead of sharp pain
Nausea, sweating, shortness of breath
Discomfort in jaw, back, or arms

Women may notice subtle signs like fatigue, dizziness, or indigestion. Trust your instincts — early care matters.

Know your numbers

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it’s called the silent killer. Regular monitoring and lifestyle tweaks can make a huge difference.

Small steps, big impact

Heart health isn’t just about big gestures — it’s the everyday choices that count:

Brisk winter walks
Recognizing real signs of a heart attack
Staying on top of screenings

This Heart Month, take one action each day — your heart will thank you.

Curious to see if you may be at risk for heart disease?

Take the quick assessment