February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the steps we can take to protect our hearts. While the heart often takes center stage during this month, another vital organ plays an equally important role in heart health: the lungs. The heart and lungs work together to move oxygen from the air and distribute to tissues and organs throughout your body. For instance, when the lungs are impaired, the heart must increase to maintain oxygen deliver.
Understanding this connection can help people take a more holistic approach to their health, especially during the winter months.
The relationship between the heart and lungs begins with oxygen. The lungs are responsible for bringing oxygen into the body, where it passes through the bloodstream. From there, the heart pumps that oxygen-rich blood to organs, muscles, and tissues so they can function correctly. When the lungs are healthy and breathing is efficient, the heart can work more effectively and with less strain.
However, when oxygen levels are consistently low due to lung disease or poor breathing, the heart has to work harder to meet the body’s demands. Over time, this added workload can lead to low energy, getting tired more easily, and added stress on the heart. Helping your breathing work better can keep oxygen levels more stable and make daily activities feel easier on your heart.
Chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea can place extra strain on the heart if they are not well managed. These conditions may limit airflow, reduce oxygen levels, or disrupt normal breathing patterns, especially during sleep. When the heart is repeatedly exposed to low oxygen or increased lung resistance, the risk of cardiovascular complications can increase.
Consistent use of prescribed therapies plays an essential role in protecting both lung and heart health. Inhalers help keep airways open, oxygen therapy supports adequate oxygen levels, and positive airway pressure therapy can stabilize breathing during sleep. Routine follow-up appointments and ongoing symptom monitoring allow care teams to adjust treatment plans as needed, helping to reduce unnecessary stress on the heart over time.
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to support both heart and lung health, even during colder months when movement may feel less appealing. Regular, moderate activity can improve conditioning, support circulation, and enhance how efficiently your body uses oxygen during daily tasks—benefits shown across heart and lung conditions. Simple movements such as walking indoors, light stretching, or gentle exercise routines can make a meaningful difference.
As activity increases breathing rate, the lungs are challenged to take in more air, which helps strengthen respiratory muscles. This improved breathing efficiency supports oxygen delivery throughout the body and allows the heart to function more comfortably during daily tasks. Staying active at a level that feels safe and manageable can benefit overall health without requiring intense workouts. Talk with your physician to review which exercise plans are best for you and read more about how to get strong and stay strong with COPD.
Winter brings unique challenges for respiratory health, including cold air, indoor pollutants, and exposure to smoke or strong odors. These triggers can irritate the airways, worsen breathing symptoms, and indirectly increase strain on the heart.
For some people with airway sensitivity, cold, dry air can narrow airways and worsen breathing symptoms; a scarf or mask helps warm and humidify the air you breathe. Avoiding smoke and improving indoor ventilation can reduce airway irritation.
American Heart Month is an opportunity to look beyond the heart alone and consider how interconnected the body truly is. Healthy lungs support a healthy heart by ensuring steady oxygen delivery, reducing strain, and promoting better circulation. By managing chronic lung conditions, staying active, and minimizing respiratory triggers, individuals can take meaningful steps to protect both their breathing and their heart health.
This February, consider making lung care part of your heart health routine. Supporting one helps strengthen the other, creating a foundation for better energy, comfort, and long-term wellness. Learn more about Apria’s Respiratory Care Program.
References
Ahmad, Salma, Ayman Isbatan, Sunny Chen, Steven M Dudek, Richard D Minshall, and Jiwang Chen. “The Interplay of Heart Failure and Lung Disease: Clinical Correlations, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications.” Journal of respiratory biology and translational medicine, December 2, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39916950/.
Association, American Lung. “Your Heart and Lungs: The Ultimate Relationship.” American Lung Association, February 13, 2023. https://www.lung.org/blog/heart-lung-relationship.
Ramalho, Sergio H R, and Amil M Shah. “Lung Function and Cardiovascular Disease: A Link.” Trends in cardiovascular medicine, January 3, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31932098/.
Van Eeden, Stephan, Jonathon Leipsic, S F Paul Man, and Don D Sin. “The Relationship between Lung Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease.” American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, April 26, 2012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22538803/.