February. A month where we celebrate love and connection. We see hearts everywhere – so it’s no surprise we are also observing American Heart Month. This is a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and inspiring people to take action for their cardiovascular well-being.
American Heart Month started more than half a century ago. In December 1963, Congress requested the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as American Heart Month, and the first observance took place in February 1964. Since then, American Heart Month has been a fixture on the health calendar — a recurring reminder to care for the organ that tirelessly keeps us alive.
Here are some additional key dates within February that are focused on specific aspects of heart health and provide opportunities for education and prevention.
- February 6, 2026: National Wear Red Day — a day to raise awareness about the unique risks of heart disease for women through the Go Red for Women movement.
- February 7–14: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week — highlighting conditions present from birth.
- February 8–14: Cardiac Rehabilitation Week — focusing on recovery and long-term care following heart events or surgery.
Heart Health by the Numbers
Heart disease isn’t just a buzzword — it is still a leading public health challenge in the United States.
Here are some eye-opening facts:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men and women and across most racial and ethnic groups.
- In 2023, roughly 919,000 Americans died from cardiovascular disease — that’s about 1 in every 3 deaths.
- High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, affects nearly half of U.S. adults.
- Despite its prevalence, many Americans don’t realize heart disease is the number one killer – a recent survey found more than half of adults did not identify it as the leading cause of death in the U.S.
These statistics make one point unmistakably clear: heart disease affects millions of lives and remains a major cause of suffering and loss — but it is also largely preventable through lifestyle choices and early detection.
Easy Ways to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
Start small, think big — heart-healthy habits don’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. Below are simple, evidence-based strategies anyone can begin this month:
1. Know Your Numbers
Understanding key health markers – blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight – is key to assessing your risk and knowing where to make lifestyle changes to improve those numbers if you need to. Be sure to schedule your annual check-ups or at the very list, if your employer offers biometric screenings each year, those numbers are usually included as part of that assessment.
2. Get Moving
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing). Even short walks during your daily routine add up and benefit your heart. The trick is to find something you enjoy doing and set a reasonable goal at the start so that you stick with it.
3. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
Choose nutrient-rich whole foods. Making changes to your diet can help reduce your LDL (the “bad” number in your cholesterol reading) which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Recommended foods to include in your diet:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats (like olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in some fish and nuts)
Become a label reader and try to limit sodium, added sugars, and trans fats — all of which are associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
4. Make Sure to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Good sleep (7–9 hours for most adults) supports healthy blood pressure and metabolic function. Consistent sleep patterns can reduce stress and support overall heart health. Individuals who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Looking for some tips to get a better night’s sleep – check out our recent blog, Sleep Better, Feel Better.
5. If You’re a Smoker: Stop
Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for heart disease. Quitting smoking can lead to rapid improvement in your HDL (the “good” portion of the cholesterol reading). It also slows the progression and reduces the buildup of plaque in your arteries helping to improve blood flow.
6. Reduce Stress
Chronic stress can strain your heart and increase unhealthy behaviors like overeating, smoking, and poor sleep. When stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) are elevated for longer periods of time, increased blood pressure is often a result. Here are some heart-healthy approaches to try and reduce stress:
- Mindfulness and deep breathing exercises.
- Gentle movement like yoga, stretching, or a slow walk.
- Positive social connections such as a quick visit with a friend or joining a class or group can benefit your overall well-being.
7. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Everyone has a certain amount of stress in their lives, but sometimes it rises to the level of a mental health crisis. Mental well-being is more than just “feeling good”, it impacts physical health as well. There is a growing body of research that shows a connection between mental health and heart health. People with mental health challenges often struggle with maintaining healthy habits like staying physically active, eating well, and sometimes even taking medications as prescribed. Also, experiencing a cardiac event may spark a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, which can complicate recovery. Talk openly with your medical provider about both your physical and mental health. Seeking support can help protect your heart and improve your quality of life.
What if You’ve Already Had a Heart Attack?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery. For those recovering from a heart attack, surgical procedure, or heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation offers structured support — combining exercise, education, and counseling to improve heart health outcomes and reduce future risk. Even if you’re not post-event, learning about rehab resources can help you plan a heart-healthy recovery strategy for future needs whether that is for yourself or a loved one.
Love Your Heart Year-Round
American Heart Month is more than a February observance – it’s an invitation to reflect on how we take care of ourselves and the ones we love. Whether it’s wearing red on February 6, learning your health numbers, or committing to a weekly walk, each step brings us closer to hearts that beat stronger. So, make your heart health a priority this month and every month. Your heart is working for you every second of every day, so show it the love it deserves.