Each February, we mark American Heart Month – a great opportunity to focus on heart health and essential role it plays in your overall well-being, today and every day. In fact, maintaining good heart health can help you add years to your life so you can enjoy many more days to come. So, welcome to the 28 Days of Heart Health.

Each day in February, we’ll be posting a short article featuring recipes, tips, exercise ideas and important information to know to help you stay heart smart. We’re kicking things off today with a recipe for Roasted Salmon with Pesto Vegetables. It’s a delicious, simple recipe that’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, the American Heart Association advises that eating salmon and other omega-3-rich foods twice a week can have benefits that even extend beyond your heart. Bon Appetit!

Roasted Salmon with Pesto Vegetables

2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 6-oz skinless salmon fillets
Kosher salt
Black pepper
¼ cup pesto

Heat oven to 450°F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the peppers and onion with the olive oil. Nestle salmon fillets in the mixture. Season with ¾ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Roast until the salmon is opaque throughout and the vegetables are tender, eight to 10 minutes. Serve topped with the pesto.

Heart health is about more than just your heart. Blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and other factors all play important roles in keeping your heart strong. If you have questions about your heart health but aren’t quite sure where to begin, start with a heart health assessment and learn more about any risks you may have for heart-related conditions. Your journey to a stronger heart starts here.

Take a Heart Health Assessment

If you would like to speak to a provider about your heart health, Willamette Valley Medical Center can help. Click the button below to be directed to our "Find A Doctor" tool and get connected to the care you're looking for.

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In the event of a heart-related emergency, call 9-1-1. Minutes matter, and acting quickly may save a life, including your own.