Recognizing American Heart Month with TeleWellness Hub
February is American Heart Month, and while we often hear about heart health in terms of cholesterol numbers and exercise routines, the reality is much more nuanced.
Heart health is complicated.
Your sleep patterns influence cardiovascular function more than most people expect.
And stress creates real, physical changes in your heart.
For many people, the path to better cardiovascular wellness is not blocked by a lack of information. It is limited by access to providers who understand the bigger picture and recognize that heart health is deeply personal.
That is why this American Heart Month, TeleWellness Hub is spotlighting real providers from our directory who bring comprehensive, accessible expertise to their work.
Meet Leigh Anne
RN, MSN, CLCP, CEN
With extensive experience in emergency medicine and comprehensive heart health, Leigh Anne brings a unique perspective to cardiovascular care. Her work spans emergency response, life care planning, and medical device litigation, giving her rare insight into how heart health, stress, and healthcare systems intersect in real life.
She has seen firsthand what happens when cardiovascular issues are treated too late, and how often chronic stress and mental health strain are part of the story long before an emergency occurs.
How Stress Impacts the Heart
Insights from Leigh Anne’s Clinical & Continuing Education Work
One of the most important connections Leigh Anne emphasizes in her work is the role inflammation plays in linking mental health and heart disease.
Inflammation: The Common Enemy
Inflammation is not just a response to physical injury. Chronic psychological stress, anxiety, and depression can keep the immune system in a constant state of activation.
When this happens, the body releases inflammatory molecules called cytokines, which can damage blood vessel walls over time. This chronic inflammation contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, increases the risk of blood clots, and can destabilize existing plaques, making them more likely to rupture.
According to Leigh Anne, the inflammatory response caused by ongoing psychological distress is just as real and measurable as inflammation from a physical wound.
Stress, Blood Pressure, and the Nervous System
Leigh Anne also highlights how quickly the cardiovascular system responds to emotional stress.
During periods of anxiety or acute stress, the sympathetic nervous system activates. Blood vessels constrict, the heart works harder, and blood pressure can rise dramatically, sometimes by 20 to 30 points within minutes.
The greater concern is what happens when stress becomes chronic.
When the body does not fully return to a relaxed state, blood pressure can remain elevated around the clock. Over time, this sustained strain damages arteries and affects not only the heart, but also the kidneys and brain.
This is why addressing stress and mental health is not optional in cardiovascular care. It is foundational.
Four Heart-Health Realities Most People Miss
1. Sleep Is Cardiovascular Medicine
When you don’t sleep well, your cardiovascular system pays the price. Poor sleep increases inflammation, raises blood pressure, and disrupts hormones that regulate stress and appetite. Consistent, quality sleep is one of the most effective tools for protecting heart health.
2. Stress Isn’t Just ‘In Your Head’
Chronic stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses that affect heart rhythm, blood vessel function, and inflammation levels. Managing stress helps prevent long-term wear and tear on the cardiovascular system.
3. Access to Care Shapes Outcomes
Heart health is influenced not only by personal habits, but by whether someone can access providers who listen, provide follow-up, and understand the whole picture. Person-centered care makes a measurable difference.
4. Prevention Looks Different for Everyone
Cookie-cutter advice rarely works in real life. Effective prevention must account for schedule, resources, cultural context, and individual risk factors. One-size-fits-all approaches often fall short.
Finding Care That Fits Your Life
American Heart Month reminds us that cardiovascular wellness requires more than generic guidelines.
Yes, the basics matter.
But real, sustainable health comes from working with providers who see you as a whole person and understand how stress, sleep, and physical health interact in your specific life.
TeleWellness Hub connects you with licensed providers like Leigh Anne who bring both deep expertise and a human-centered approach to care. Whether you’re managing existing cardiovascular concerns or taking proactive steps, accessible support makes all the difference.
Explore our directory to find providers who understand that heart health is about more than numbers.
Ready to Find Your Provider?
Browse licensed providers who offer accessible, comprehensive care at TeleWellnessHub.com
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
