National Heart Health Month
Love your heart during National Heart Health Month! February focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, but many cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
About National Heart Health Month
Love your heart during National Heart Health Month! February focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, but many cases are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
History & origins
National Heart Health Month is the informal name commonly used for American Heart Month, a U.S. observance held every February to focus attention on cardiovascular disease prevention. The observance was first proclaimed in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, with support from the American Heart Association and public-health organizations promoting heart health education. Its roots are in the United States, where February became a dedicated time for screenings, prevention, and awareness campaigns.
Why it matters
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, so February serves as a timely reminder to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors. The month also helps promote practical prevention habits such as exercise, quitting smoking, and healthier eating, which can lower cardiovascular risk and support long-term wellness.
How to celebrate
Schedule a heart health screening. Learn your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol). Start heart-healthy exercise routines. Adopt a heart-healthy diet. Quit smoking if you smoke. Wear red on National Wear Red Day (first Friday). Share heart health tips on social media.
Facts
- Heart disease causes 1 in 4 deaths in the US
- About 80% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented
- Women's heart attack symptoms often differ from men's
- 30 minutes of daily exercise significantly reduces heart disease risk
- The American Heart Association promotes Life's Essential 8 for heart health
Frequently asked questions
When is National Heart Health Month in 2026?
National Heart Health Month is in February 2026, from February 1 through February 28. It is observed all month long rather than on a single day.
What is National Heart Health Month?
National Heart Health Month is a February awareness month focused on preventing heart disease and improving cardiovascular health. It encourages people to learn their numbers, recognize risk factors, and adopt heart-healthy habits.
Who started National Heart Health Month?
The observance was first proclaimed as American Heart Month in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The American Heart Association helped popularize the campaign and continues to promote it.
How do you celebrate National Heart Health Month?
You can celebrate by scheduling a heart screening, checking blood pressure and cholesterol, exercising regularly, and choosing a heart-healthy diet. Wearing red on National Wear Red Day also supports women’s heart health awareness.
Is National Heart Health Month an official holiday?
No, it is not a holiday. It is a public-health awareness observance in the United States centered on prevention and education.
Share
Help others discover this day by sharing it.