Improving Heart Failure Care in Wilson: Education, Early Action and Community Partnership

Heart failure affects millions of Americans, and here in Wilson, we see firsthand how deeply it impacts patients and families. February is Heart Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and encouraging our community to take steps toward better heart health. At Wilson Medical Center, this month is more than a calendar observance; it is a reminder of why we do this work every day. 

As Director of Cardiovascular Services at Wilson Medical Center, I have the privilege of working with a dedicated team focused not only on treating heart failure, but on helping our patients live fuller, healthier lives. 

I have a personal connection with heart disease as I watched my grandfather survive a heart attack and later live with heart failure. I saw how the condition affected his health, independence, and overall quality of life. I also witnessed how compassionate, knowledgeable nurses and providers helped him navigate his care with dignity and confidence. That experience inspired me to become a nurse and dedicate my career to cardiac care. It remains a constant reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person — and a family — whose lives are forever changed. 

Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped. It means the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should. When that happens, blood and fluid can back up into the lungs and other parts of the body. The body does not receive the oxygen-rich blood it needs, and even everyday activities can become exhausting. 

Common signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying flat; swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen; rapid weight gain from fluid buildup; unusual fatigue; persistent cough or wheezing; and decreased appetite. A weight gain of two to three pounds overnight or five pounds in a week can signal fluid retention. Recognizing these warning signs early — and knowing when to call a healthcare provider — can prevent serious complications and hospitalizations. 

Heart failure is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Too often, patients return to the hospital because they did not recognize early warning signs, did not fully understand medication changes, or did not have the tools needed to manage their condition at home. Our goal is to reduce readmissions, and we believe education changes that. 

At Wilson Medical Center, we are strengthening our heart failure efforts with a focus on patient education, early intervention, and coordinated follow-up care. Every admission is an opportunity not just to stabilize a patient, but to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed at home. We provide clear education about managing heart failure, review medications thoroughly, teach daily weight monitoring, and develop individualized discharge plans. We also prioritize timely follow-up appointments because the days immediately after discharge are critical. 

In Eastern North Carolina, we are blessed with great food and strong traditions. But we also know that some local favorites — whether it is barbecue or a cheese biscuit — can be high in sodium. For someone living with heart failure, even one very salty meal can lead to fluid retention, shortness of breath, and sometimes a return to the hospital. Our goal is not to take away the foods people love. It is to promote moderation and understanding so patients can make informed choices. 

Education does not stop at discharge. We are committed to improving transitions of care, strengthening communication between inpatient and outpatient providers, and ensuring patients feel supported long after they leave our facility. By working closely with primary care providers, cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, we are building a coordinated approach centered on the patient. 

We are combining national clinical resources with a deep commitment to local care. Our mission is simple: to improve the health of our community. By focusing on education, prevention and proactive management, we are working to reduce preventable hospitalizations and improve quality of life for our neighbors. 

Heart failure may be chronic, but with the right knowledge, support and care team, patients can live well. At Wilson Medical Center, we are committed to making that possible for every patient and every family we serve. 

That commitment to education extends beyond our hospital walls. We have implemented a new community outreach program called Pulse Point: Heart Health & Wellness Talks. This initiative is designed to bring practical, easy-to-understand heart health education directly into our community — to workplaces, civic groups, churches and local organizations. Please reach out to us if we can help educate your group. 

Our next Pulse Point event will be held April 8 at the City of Wilson’s Employee Fair, where we will highlight heart health and wellness for city employees. By partnering with local organizations, we are reinforcing that heart health is not just a hospital issue — it is a community priority. 

Nicole Worrell, BSN, RN is Director of Cardiovascular Services at Wilson Medical Center