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- United States
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American Heart Month champions cardiovascular health throughout February. This annual observance raises vital awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for many Americans. Take proactive steps to protect your heart by learning about risk factors, adopting healthy habits, and supporting life-saving research.
Want to sponsor American Heart Month? Learn how
Expected American Heart Month Deals
As a ‘Cause’ holiday, American Heart Month focuses on awareness and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the American Heart Association lead campaigns, often partnering with corporate sponsors for donation matching programs. Look for retailers such as CVS Health and Walgreens to offer free blood pressure screenings and educational materials. Many fitness brands, including Peloton and Fitbit, highlight heart-healthy workouts and tracking features. Grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Kroger often feature heart-healthy food promotions and recipes. Additionally, medical device companies like Medtronic and pharmaceutical companies may support research initiatives. We encourage direct donations to reputable heart health charities. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness drives as February approaches.
Platform Guide for American Heart Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AmericanHeartMonth. Share personal stories of heart health journeys or tips for a healthier lifestyle.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #AmericanHeartMonth. Join conversations about heart disease prevention, share statistics, and retweet messages from health organizations.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AmericanHeartMonth. Post visuals of heart-healthy meals, exercise routines, or red attire to show support for the cause.
American Heart Month Hero
Paul Dudley White
History of American Heart Month
The human heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout our body, supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing toxins and waste. Weighing between 8 and 12 ounces, the heart is a mighty organ divided into four chambers that work together to pump blood in and out. The heart gets oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the rest of the body. It does this by contracting at a rhythmic pace, about 60-80 times per minute, thanks to electrical cells called “pacemakers.” When the heart ceases to perform its regular function, a medical device also called a pacemaker can be implanted to assist the heart.
Heart disease occurs when the arteries leading to the heart become clogged. Although heart disease has been around for thousands of years, we do know that many aspects of modern life exacerbate risk factors and make people more prone to heart disease and heart failure. Today, one in four deaths in the U.S. is attributable to heart disease. Heart disease can affect everyone, but taking stock of your prior health risks, activities and diet can help you reduce your risk.
Although we’ve learned a lot about how the heart works, there are still many unanswered questions about heart health and the cardiovascular system. As far as we know, the best way to protect your heart is to stay active, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and reduce your daily stress. To celebrate American Heart Month, take some time to learn about heart health risks, find your favorite heart-healthy activities, and cook some healthy meals with your family.
American Heart Month timeline
Argentinian surgeon Rene Favaloro from the Cleveland Clinic performs the first bypass surgery, changing heart treatment forever. Today, coronary artery bypass grafting is the most common cardiac surgery in the world.
In the 1950s, doctors begin to understand cholesterol and the role of a low-fat diet in cardiovascular health.
Several heart disease research groups coalesce to form the AHA, hoping to coordinate and promote efforts to understand and treat heart disease.
Egyptian mummies, some more than 3,500 years old, show signs of cardiovascular disease, proving that heart disease isn't an entirely modern phenomenon. Researchers speculate that the high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle of upper-class Egyptians may have contributed to their poor health, but other pre-modern factors could also be at play.
How Businesses Can Celebrate American Heart Month
Local businesses can play a crucial role in promoting heart health during American Heart Month. Restaurants can offer special heart-healthy menu options, clearly labeled with nutritional information. Fitness centers can host free introductory classes or offer discounts on memberships to encourage physical activity. Pharmacies can provide free blood pressure checks and distribute educational pamphlets from the American Heart Association. Corporate offices can organize ‘Wear Red Day’ events, host wellness challenges, or invite guest speakers to discuss cardiovascular health. These initiatives not only support a vital cause but also demonstrate a commitment to community well-being.
American Heart Month FAQs
When is American Heart Month?
In 2027, American Heart Month will be observed from Monday, February 1 to Sunday, February 28. This annual observance provides a crucial opportunity to raise awareness and encourage healthy habits.
How many Americans are affected by heart disease?
While the exact numbers fluctuate, heart disease continues to impact a significant portion of the U.S. population. Data consistently shows it accounts for about 1 in every 5 deaths, underscoring its widespread prevalence.
What is the primary goal of American Heart Month?
For 2027, American Heart Month aims to amplify awareness campaigns, encouraging Americans to understand their personal risk factors for heart disease. The focus is on actionable steps for better cardiovascular health.
What is the significance of the red dress symbol for heart health?
The iconic red dress serves as a powerful visual reminder that heart disease is the number one killer of women, often overlooked. It encourages women to take charge of their heart health and seek preventive care.
How to observe American Heart Month
Take up a heart-healthy habit
Staying active, eating healthy, and watching our weight are all important parts of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Pick a new heart-healthy habit like jogging or substituting sodas with water and try to stick to it for a whole month.
Educate yourself
Learn about the risk factors for heart disease, the ways you can prevent them, and the lifestyle choices that can help you stay healthy.
Get your cholesterol tested
If you’re worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if you’re at risk and should make adjustments to your diet.
5 Interesting Facts About Heart Health
Heart attacks can be silent
One in five heart attacks occurs without the person even knowing they had one.
Heart attacks affect women differently
Women may experience different symptoms than men. These include pain in the back, arm, neck, or shoulder; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; and vomiting.
Young women are at higher risk than men
Women under the age of 50 are twice as likely to die of a heart attack as men in the same age group.
Another reason to hate Mondays
Heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday mornings than other days of the week. Scientists attribute this to the disruption in our circadian rhythm over the weekend which leads to increased blood pressure and other changes to the nervous system.
Diet soda raises heart attack risk
If you drink one or more diet sodas a day, your chances of having a heart attack are 43% higher than those who drink regular soda or none at all.
Why American Heart Month is important
It reminds us to take care of our heart
American Heart Month motivates us to examine our own health habits and risks and take steps to improve our heart health.
It promotes education about heart health
Knowing the risk factors for heart disease and how to reduce them can help people lead healthier lives and diminish their risk for heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases.
It raises awareness of heart disease
As the number one killer of Americans, heart disease is a slow-moving epidemic that affects almost everyone.
American Heart Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | February 1 | Friday |
| 2031 | February 1 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for American Heart Month
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