Valentine’s Day often brings to mind images of long-stemmed red roses, winged infants armed with golden bows and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. But in the midst of celebrating love, there’s an equally important relationship that deserves attention — the one you have with your heart.

This Valentine’s Day, while we reflect on the value of love and romance, let’s also take a moment to consider the health of a vital organ. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Canada, yet an estimated 80 per cent of it is preventable.

So, how can we show our hearts some love? By making choices that protect our cardiovascular health.

Dark chocolate, often hailed as a heart-healthy treat, is an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day indulgence. Dark chocolate’s antioxidants have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce clotting risks and enhance blood flow to the heart, which in turn lowers the likelihood of stroke and coronary heart disease.

Strawberries have also been linked to improved heart health. Like other fruits, strawberries are rich in anthocyanins, chemical compounds that lower blood pressure and make blood vessels more elastic. According to researchers, consuming even one cup of strawberries a day may have significant health benefits.

Consider adding some dark chocolate and strawberries (or, even better, dark chocolate-covered strawberries) to the menu. Both your tastebuds and your heart will thank you for it.

Exercise is also key to a healthy heart. Rather than a classic candlelit dinner (or an evening spent in your pajamas watching rom-coms with your shih tzu), you might want to take a more active approach to your Valentine’s Day.

The British Heart Foundation recommends engaging in at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, which involves moving the body’s largest muscles (such as those in the arms and legs) in ways that elevate the heart rate. This can include walking, cycling, swimming, doing housework or playing a sport. Aerobic exercise mitigates your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure, lowering resting heart rate and improving cholesterol levels.

Resistance training and balance exercises are also recommended for a healthy heart. That said, paying attention to your body’s warning signs helps prevent injury. You know your limits best — not the gym instructor or a YouTube video yelling at you to work harder. Push yourself, but not off a cliff.

You might also consider taking a walk with your significant other or friend. Or a dance session in your living room. Not only will you get those heart-healthy benefits, but you’ll also burn off some of those dark chocolate-covered strawberries. Win-win.

While many consider Valentine’s Day a celebration of love and connection, others may view it as a source of stress. Romantic worries, relationship pressure and social expectations can all take a toll on your mental health. And guess what? Your heart feels that stress too.

Although stress is a normal aspect of being human, chronic stress — consistent, long-lasting feelings of being pressured and overwhelmed — has been identified as a leading risk factor for heart disease. Chronic stress may increase inflammation in the body, increasing plaque buildup in arteries and causing issues like coronary artery disease, which may lead to heart failure.

Short-term or sudden stress can also impact your heart. In those who already have plaque in their arteries, a sudden surge of adrenaline can lead to a plaque rupturing and a blood clot growing large enough to block blood flow. The result is a heart attack.

On Feb. 14, try engaging in stress-relieving activities. Whether you opt for a cozy evening with a paperback romance novel or a quiet dinner with someone special, taking time to relax is a simple but effective way to take care of your heart — so it can keep taking care of you.

Finally, if you haven’t already, make sure you’re keeping up with regular heart check-ups.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder to schedule your annual physical exam or have a cardiac screening done, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Knowing your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and overall heart health can help you make better lifestyle choices to keep your ticker running smoothly for years to come.

So, this Valentine’s Day, consider prioritizing your heart health. That way, the only heartbreak you’ll face will be the metaphorical kind.