Be Smart About Your Heart: Cardiovascular Health in the CF Community

Reflections from the February 2025 CF Senior Saturday Meeting

On February 8, 2025, members of the CF Senior Saturday community gathered for a vital discussion titled "Be Smart About Your Heart"—a conversation centered around cardiovascular health in aging adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF). As the CF population continues to age thanks to advances in care and treatment, it's increasingly important to understand how heart health fits into the broader picture of long-term CF wellness.

This meeting addressed the unique and emerging risks that adults with CF may face regarding cardiovascular disease. Participants explored the intersection between inflammation, long-term medication use, and lifestyle factors that contribute to heart health. As the scope of CF care expands beyond pulmonary and digestive systems, incorporating cardiovascular awareness becomes a necessary part of preventive care and daily decision-making.

The presentation highlighted the value of early and consistent medical screenings, understanding personal risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, and taking steps to support heart health through nutrition, movement, and stress management. These preventive strategies empower individuals with CF to take control of their heart health and discuss effective strategies during medical appointments.

Several key resources were shared during the session, including:

From the American Heart Association:

• Know Your Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

• Medical Screenings Overview

• Preparing for Medical Visits

• Preventing Heart Disease at Any Age

From CFRI:

• CF and Cardiovascular Disease: Time to Listen to Your Heart! by Alex Despotes, MD – an important presentation tailored to the CF experience. More at cfri.org

From Halite Solutions Group:

• CF Navigator: Personal Health Toolkit

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis – Research Highlights:

• Bridging the connection gap: small-group discussions for adults with cystic fibrosis

• Clinical and sociodemographic profile of aging in cystic fibrosis

• Aging with CF: Characteristics of people with CF aged 40 and older in the United States

• Cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with CF on elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy

Additional Tools:

• My Heart Health Tracker – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

• PACE Guide Sheet – Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Attendees engaged in rich dialogue about what it means to age with CF, including how to ask for screenings and how to bridge communication gaps with providers. Many expressed that cardiovascular health is not addressed in their CF clinic visits until they brought it up themselves, emphasizing the need for education and proactive advocacy.

As the Aging with CF landscape continues to evolve, collective learning and open conversation remain powerful tools for creating impact. Sharing information, resources, and experiences drives health promotion and empowers individuals to navigate aging with CF with greater confidence and support.

Protecting our hearts is an essential part of protecting our future.  Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay heart smart.