Since 1964, the American Heart Association (AHA) has promoted American Heart Month every February, with the aim of raising awareness about heart disease in the general community. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. The focus is on education about heart health, and the promotion of life-saving habits.
In 2026, there are a few new special features. National Wear Red Day on February 6 focuses on women’s heart health as part of the AHA’s Go Red for Women movement. For too long, heart attacks have been seen as a “mens-only” danger. While men have higher overall rates of having had a heart attack, women face disproportionate risks, with higher mortality from heart attacks and rising rates in younger age groups, often experiencing different symptoms and delays in care. Recent data shows that around 4% of U.S. men and 2.5% of women have had at least one major cardiac event, but women make up nearly half of fatal heart attacks, and their risk significantly increases with age and conditions like diabetes.
Keep an eye out whenever you use social media for the banner of #OurHearts Campaign, which is a country-wide initiative by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) that encourages people to support each other in achieving heart-healthy goals. The federal government is
How to be a participant in Heart Health month
- increase your own CPR awareness and training, so you can act during a cardiac emergency.
- Get screened: Make this the month where you check in with a healthcare provider to find out the “numbers” – blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- When you use social media, be sure to include some hashtags like #HeartMonth and #OurHearts to share your journey or heart-healthy tips.
- Spread the message – establish educational events in your own community, schools and workplaces, to demonstrate CPR training, healthy cooking, or fitness techniques.
What American Heart Month is and how it matters
American Heart Month is a national awareness effort that brings attention to heart disease and the everyday choices that influence long-term cardiovascular health. Rather than focusing on fear or dramatic outcomes, the goal is education and empowerment.
Heart disease remains one of the most significant health concerns in the United States. It affects adults of all ages and has a ripple effect on families, caregivers, and communities. Awareness helps people recognize that heart health is not only about medical emergencies, but also about daily habits that add up over time.
By encouraging simple conversations and shared learning, American Heart Month supports a broader understanding of prevention and early awareness rather than panic or alarm.
Understanding heart health beyond the headlines
Heart health is more than avoiding heart attacks or hospital visits. It reflects how well the heart and blood vessels work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
This includes factors such as circulation, the flexibility of blood vessels, and how hard the heart must work to pump blood. Measures like blood pressure and cholesterol are often discussed because they offer clues about long-term strain on the cardiovascular system.
Cardiovascular health is shaped slowly. Habits formed over years often have more influence than short-term changes, which is why consistent lifestyle patterns matter more than quick fixes.
A lifestyle that can support a healthy heart
Many health organizations point to a set of guiding principles often described as “Life’s Essential 8,” which outline practical areas that support heart wellness. These ideas focus on balance rather than perfection.
- Eat better by emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources while limiting sodium and added sugars.
- Be more active by building regular movement into daily routines, aiming for steady, moderate activity across the week.
- Quit tobacco by avoiding smoking and vaping, which are major contributors to heart and blood vessel damage.
- Get healthy sleep by maintaining consistent rest patterns that allow the heart to recover overnight.
- Manage weight by supporting a stable and healthy body weight over time.
- Control cholesterol by staying informed about levels that can affect artery health.
- Manage blood sugar to reduce damage to blood vessels over the long term.
- Manage blood pressure to help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
These areas are not an all-or-nothing checklist. Small improvements in one or two areas can still make a meaningful difference over time.
Keep watching your numbers and stay informed of what they mean
Routine health checkups play an important role in heart disease prevention. Numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar offer early signals that may not cause noticeable symptoms at first.
Understanding these measurements helps individuals and families recognize patterns before they become more serious concerns. Awareness allows healthcare providers to offer guidance that fits each person’s health history and risk profile.
Tracking changes over time, rather than reacting to a single reading, supports better long-term decision-making.
Keep in mind – lifestyle improvements may not be enough
While everyday habits form the foundation of good heart health, they are not always sufficient on their own. Some people live with ongoing conditions that require medical support.
Common examples include high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, or other conditions related to managing heart health conditions. In these cases, medications may be part of long-term care.
Following the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider is essential. Medications should always be taken as prescribed, and any changes should be discussed with a professional who understands the full medical picture.
Finding and accessing heart health support
Heart disease can become a chronic condition, which means that medications and treatments may have to be continued throughout the remaining years. This makes finding a reliable, transparent and affordable source of drugs much more important than if it’s a “one-shot cure”. IsraelPharm has been providing thousands of customers with the medications commonly prescribed for heart health conditions, such as blood pressure controls, blood thinners, and cholesterol management.
Brand-name and generic drugs in the U.S. are more expensive than anywhere else in the developed world, but sourcing them from a reputable international source such as IsraelPharm can mean life-long savings on life-saving medicines.
Takeaway thoughts – American Heart Month should be a kick-starter, not a one-time focus
Heart health is built gradually through small, consistent habits that are maintained over time. Awareness creates opportunities to learn, reflect, and adjust daily routines.
Rather than treating American Heart Month as a single event, it can serve as a reminder to stay proactive and informed throughout the year. Family heart health benefits when conversations and shared habits continue beyond February.
Professional support from experienced healthcare and pharmaceutical providers remains an important part of long-term heart wellness.
Frequently asked questions about heart health
Why is American Heart Month important?
American Heart Month focuses attention on heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death in the United States. The campaign encourages awareness rather than fear, helping people understand how daily habits influence long-term heart health. By highlighting education, screening, and shared responsibility, the month creates space for conversations that might otherwise be overlooked. It also reminds families that prevention and early awareness can play a meaningful role in reducing future health risks.
What does heart health actually include?
Heart health refers to how well the heart and blood vessels function together. It includes circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and how efficiently the heart pumps blood. Good heart health is influenced by long-term habits rather than short-term actions. Factors such as activity, sleep, nutrition, and medical care all contribute to cardiovascular wellbeing over time.
How do everyday habits affect cardiovascular health?
Everyday habits shape cardiovascular health by influencing blood vessel function, heart workload, and metabolic balance. Regular movement, balanced eating, adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco help reduce strain on the heart. These habits work gradually, meaning consistency matters more than intensity. Small daily choices can accumulate into meaningful benefits over many years.
Why are blood pressure and cholesterol monitored so closely?
Blood pressure and cholesterol are monitored because they provide early signs of stress on the cardiovascular system. High readings may not cause immediate symptoms but can increase long-term risk. Tracking these numbers helps healthcare providers identify patterns and recommend appropriate follow-up. Early awareness allows for timely guidance before serious complications develop.
Can lifestyle changes replace medication for heart conditions?
Lifestyle changes support heart health but may not replace medication for everyone. Some heart-related conditions require ongoing medical treatment regardless of healthy habits. Medications are prescribed based on individual risk factors and health history. Any decisions about treatment should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
How can families support heart health together?
Families can support heart health by sharing meals, staying active together, and encouraging routine health checkups. Open conversations about awareness and prevention help normalize heart health as a shared priority. Small group habits, such as walking together or learning about heart health tips, can strengthen both physical wellbeing and family connections.
