American Heart Association Urges CPR Training for Heart Month

The organization emphasizes the importance of CPR, especially for women, during February's Heart Month.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:31pm

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The American Heart Association is using Heart Month in February to raise awareness about the importance of learning CPR, especially for women who are more likely to experience atypical heart disease symptoms. The organization is encouraging people to "Go Red for Women" this Friday, February 6th, to help spread the message. Jenylyn Carpio, who went into cardiac arrest at age 22, and Dr. Alex Kharazi, a cardiothoracic surgeon, are both advocating for better heart health education and CPR training.

Why it matters

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. The American Heart Association is using Heart Month to emphasize the critical role that CPR can play in saving lives, especially for women who may not recognize the signs of a heart attack.

The details

The American Heart Association is urging everyone to learn CPR during Heart Month in February. Jenylyn Carpio, who went into cardiac arrest at age 22, credits her mother's quick CPR response for saving her life. Dr. Alex Kharazi, a cardiothoracic surgeon, notes that women are more likely to present with atypical heart disease symptoms, making CPR training even more important.

  • The American Heart Association is encouraging people to "Go Red for Women" this Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Jenylyn Carpio

A woman who went into cardiac arrest at age 22 and credits CPR with saving her life.

Dr. Alex Kharazi

A cardiothoracic surgeon who emphasizes the importance of CPR training, especially for women who may experience atypical heart disease symptoms.

American Heart Association

A non-profit organization focused on fighting heart disease and stroke.

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What they’re saying

“Learn CPR. CPR is why I'm here today. CPR is what saved my life.”

— Jenylyn Carpio

“As women, we're more likely to present with atypical symptoms and be asymptomatic. That's why it's important for us to raise awareness among women.”

— Dr. Alex Kharazi, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

“45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. It's actually the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States... That's why we're here. That's why we're wearing red for heart month.”

— Dr. Alex Kharazi, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

What’s next

The American Heart Association is encouraging people to "Go Red for Women" this Friday, February 6, 2026 to help raise awareness about heart disease in women.

The takeaway

This story highlights the critical importance of CPR training, especially for women who are more likely to experience atypical heart disease symptoms. By emphasizing the life-saving potential of CPR during Heart Month, the American Heart Association is working to empower people to take action and learn this vital skill.