With the arrival of February, we are less than two weeks away from Valentine's Day and its familiar red heart symbol. So it is no surprise that many in the healthcare field have designated February as "Heart Month." After all, one of the best expressions of affection we can give to our loved ones on Valentine's Day is a happy heart, or better yet, a well-functioning heart.

But with heart disease as the No. 1 killer in our country, this is no small matter. In recent years, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have sponsored a nationwide initiative to promote secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with known atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Get With the Guidelines is a hospital-based quality improvement program designed to close the treatment gap in cardiovascular disease. This program provides physicians with materials, information and tools for secondary prevention of known cardiovascular disease. Using discharge protocols in the hospital setting helps ensure that cardiovascular disease patients are placed on appropriate medications and informed of recommended behavioral modifications in order to reduce the incidence of subsequent cardiovascular disease events.

According to estimates, this program could save more than 80,000 lives annually if 75 percent of the eligible patients discharged are treated and if 85 percent of those are compliant with the secondary prevention guidelines.

Get With the Guidelines focuses on the following specific interventions:

■ Smoking cessation counseling

■ Lipid lowering therapy

■ ACE inhibitor use

■ Blood pressure treatment

■ Beta blocker use

■ Weight and exercise management

■ Diabetes management

■ Atrial fibrillation management

■ Aspirin or other antithrombotic medication

■ Alcohol and drug abuse management

Chronic disease management is one of the great challenges for American healthcare. These evidence-based interventions can improve the quality of life and decrease hospitalizations for a large segment of the population.

All physicians who care for patients with cardiovascular disease should remain cognizant that atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease. Although percutaneous coronary intervention can dramatically improve a patient's condition in the short term, both the physician and the patient must remain focused on the long-term consequences of subsequent disease progression and use all available strategies to attenuate it.

Upon discharge, a few simple prescriptions and some routine counseling by hospital personnel can be a life-saving gift to a patient at a time when he is most motivated to ensure his future well-being.

In January 2006, Medicare coverage for prescription drugs was instituted, requiring changes in drug therapy for many seniors. As physicians, it behooves us to work closely with patients to guide them in selecting a plan. Experience and appropriate use of the Medicare prescription drug plan by the patient and his physician will not only save money, but will save lives. It's time we all do as suggested: Get with the guidelines!