February Is Heart Awareness Month

DC VA Medical Center’s Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Heart Center Director Dr. Gregory D. Trachiotis encourages Veterans to address risk factors--manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, engage in regular activity, eat healthy, and avoid tobacco use.

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and promoting heart-healthy behaviors. Heart health is significantly important for Veterans, as heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among both Veteran men and women. For the Veterans Affairs (VA) Heart Center, which offers cardiothoracic surgery and structural cardiology, February serves not only as a time for heart-health education, but also as a reminder that cardiovascular prevention, early detection, and aggressive risk-factor management are central to improving long-term outcomes for those who have served our nation. 

Veterans carry an unequal burden of cardiovascular risk. Higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic stress contribute to an increase of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Many of these conditions originate from lifestyle patterns and metabolic changes that develop over years or even decades before clinical disease becomes evident. Heart Awareness Month is a time to emphasize the importance of addressing these risks proactively rather than reactively.

For Veteran men, cardiovascular disease has traditionally been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. However, awareness is growing that Veteran women face equally serious risks. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women in the United States, and female Veterans often experience unique challenges, including under-recognition of symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and differences in how heart disease presents. Research suggests U.S. Veterans report higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and earlier onset of cardiovascular conditions compared to non-Veterans.  In a large representative study of Veterans aged 60 and older, about 1 in 4 (25.5%) reported a lifetime diagnosis of CVD (including heart disease, heart attacks, or stroke).  Studies show PTSD and other stress-related (trauma) conditions are independently associated with higher risk of CVD events, including heart attack and heart failure, in aging Veterans.  Heart Awareness Month highlights the need for gender-specific awareness, ensuring that both male and female Veterans receive appropriate screening, education, and treatment.

A central heart health message during the month of February is prevention. Simple, evidence-based strategies—such as maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, engaging in regular physical activity, following a heart-healthy diet, maintaining hydration, achieving healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco—can dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk. For Veterans, these measures not only prevent disease but also preserve physical readiness, independence, and quality of life as they age.

The month also underscores the importance of early detection. Routine screening for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity allows clinicians to intervene before irreversible cardiovascular damage occurs. Within the VA system, Heart Awareness Month reinforces the importance of coordinated, team-based care which includes primary care, cardiology, nutrition services, mental health, and rehabilitation programs to address cardiovascular risk comprehensively.

Equally important is the recognition of cardiovascular health as a matter of long-term service commitment. Veterans entrusted their health to the nation during their service; Heart Health Month reflects a reciprocal responsibility to protect and preserve their well-being afterward. It emphasizes that cardiovascular care is not sporadic, but lifelong, requiring continuous engagement between Veterans and the VA healthcare system.

In summary, February offers a powerful opportunity to focus attention on cardiovascular disease—the leading health threat facing Veteran men and women. It promotes prevention, education, early diagnosis, and equitable care while honoring the sacrifices of those who served. By using this month to reinforce heart-healthy behaviors and strengthen cardiovascular care, the VA helps ensure longer, healthier lives for America’s Veterans and reaffirms its commitment to their enduring health and dignity.

This web feature has been prepared by Gregory D. Trachiotis, MD, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Heart Center at Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Gregory D. Trachiotis, MD, is nationally recognized as a cardiothoracic surgeon, academic leader, and educator with extensive experience in complex cardiac and thoracic surgical care. In addition to his leadership roles at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, Dr. Trachiotis serves as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The George Washington University Medical Center and has devoted his career to advancing surgical excellence, innovation in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, and training future generations of surgeons.

Dr. Trachiotis received his Doctor of Medicine degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He completed his surgical training in cardiothoracic surgery at George Washington University, including dedicated research at Washington University/Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, followed by advanced fellowship training in heart and lung transplantation at Emory University and its affiliated institutions. This comprehensive training laid the foundation for his expertise in managing end-stage cardiac and pulmonary disease and performing highly complex surgical interventions.

Clinically, Dr. Trachiotis specializes in the full spectrum of adult cardiac and thoracic surgery. His areas of expertise include coronary artery bypass surgery (including off-pump techniques), valvular heart disease (aortic and mitral valve repair and replacement), heart failure surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and transcatheter valve therapies. He also has extensive experience in thoracic surgical oncology, including lung and esophageal cancer surgery, and minimally invasive thoracic procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). His practice integrates advanced surgical techniques with evidence-based cardiovascular care, emphasizing patient-centered outcomes and multidisciplinary collaboration.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Trachiotis is deeply committed to academic medicine. As a Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at George Washington University, he plays a central role in medical student education, resident and fellow training, and curriculum development, maintained at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. He has mentored numerous trainees who have gone on to successful careers in cardiothoracic surgery and academic medicine. His leadership has helped shape a culture of excellence, professionalism, and inquiry within the cardiothoracic training programs.