Stay Safe, Stay Prepared, and Protect the Ones You Love

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, connection, and quality time with the people who matter most. But it’s also one of the most common times of year for heart-related medical emergencies, especially among adults with existing risk factors or those doing more physical activity than usual in winter weather. Cold temperatures, stress, heavy meals, and alcohol can all increase strain on the heart—making awareness and preparedness essential.

Whether you're planning a romantic night out, a weekend getaway, or a cozy dinner at home, knowing key heart-health and emergency response tips can help keep your loved ones safe.

This Valentine’s Day, BVAC Rescue Response Training Center encourages everyone to put heart safety at the top of their celebration checklist.

Heart Attacks Increase During Winter — Especially Valentine’s Week

Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, forcing the heart to work harder. Combine that with emotional stress, indulgent meals, alcohol, or sudden physical exertion, and the risk of a heart attack rises significantly during February.

Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest pressure, tightness, or heaviness

• Pain radiating to the jaw, arm, shoulder, or back

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• Nausea, vomiting, or cold sweating

• Sudden lightheadedness or fatigue

• Collapse or unresponsiveness (may indicate cardiac arrest)

What to Do

• Call 911 immediately

• Keep the person calm, seated, and warm

• Loosen tight clothing

• Avoid giving food or drink

• Prepare to start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally

Most heart attack deaths happen before the patient reaches the hospital—early action is lifesaving.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest — Know the Difference

These two emergencies are often confused, but they require different responses.

Heart Attack

• Caused by blocked blood flow

• Person is usually awake but in severe discomfort

• Needs urgent medical care, not CPR unless they collapse

Cardiac Arrest

• The heart stops beating effectively

• Person collapses and is unresponsive

• Not breathing normally

• Needs CPR and an AED immediately

Every minute without CPR reduces survival by 7–10%.
Knowing how to respond can double or triple someone's chance of survival.

Valentine’s Dinner Safety: Food, Alcohol & Medication Interactions

Special dinners are part of the celebration—but they can trigger unexpected health issues.

Common Risks

• High-sodium, fatty, or sugary meals increase strain on the heart

• Alcohol combined with medications can cause dangerous arrhythmias

• Diabetics may experience spikes in blood sugar

• Shellfish and nut allergies often appear during restaurant meals

Signs of a Serious Allergic Reaction

• Swelling of lips, tongue, or face

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Hives, itching, or redness

• Persistent coughing

• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

If symptoms are severe, use an EpiPen immediately and call 911.

Cold Weather + Physical Activity = Hidden Heart Risks

From shoveling snow before date night to taking a romantic winter walk, cold temperatures can strain the heart more than people realize.

Preventative Tips

• Warm up before outdoor activity

• Take frequent breaks

• Dress in layers

• Avoid strenuous activity after a heavy meal

• Stay hydrated—cold weather can mask dehydration

•  

Learn CPR — The Most Meaningful Valentine’s Gift

The ability to perform CPR or use an AED is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your loved ones. In a sudden emergency, your hands can save a life.

BVAC Rescue Response Training Center offers:

✔ AHA BLS CPR Certification
✔ First Response Essentials (CPR, AED, First Aid, bleeding control)
✔ Stop the Bleed Training
✔ EpiPen & Naloxone Instruction
✔ TECC & Tactical Medicine Courses
✔ Family CPR and First Aid programs

Our courses help parents, caregivers, teachers, workplaces, security teams, and community members build confidence and lifesaving skills.

Create a Heart-Safe Home This Valentine’s Day

Small steps make a big difference in your household’s emergency readiness.

Consider:

• Keeping an AED at home if someone is high-risk

• Maintaining a stocked first-aid kit

• Reviewing family emergency response plans

• Learning the Heimlich maneuver for choking

• Knowing how to stop severe bleeding

Preparedness protects the people you love.

The Best Valentine’s Gift: Keeping Hearts Beating

Flowers and chocolates are thoughtful—but nothing speaks love louder than being ready to save a life when it matters most.

Celebrate safely.
Protect the hearts that matter most.
Train with BVAC Rescue Response Training Center.