American Heart Month

American Heart Month is a month-long observance in the United States dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and promoting heart disease prevention.

Quick Facts

When is it?: February
Tagged as: Health awareness month
What’s the hashtag?: #AmericanHeartMonth
When was it founded?: 1964
Who founded it?: President Lyndon B. Johnson

History of American Heart Month

American Heart Month was established in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation to bring attention to heart disease. The initiative was a response to the growing concern over cardiovascular health in the United States, as heart disease had become the leading cause of death in the country.

Timeline

1921: Heart disease becomes America’s leading cause of death
1924: American Heart Association (AHA) is founded
1955: President Dwight Eisenhower’s heart attack brings national attention to cardiovascular health
1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaims February as American Heart Month

Upcoming Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 1-28	All month
2026	February 1-28	All month
2027	February 1-28	All month
2028	February 1-29	All month
2029	February 1-28	All month
2030	February 1-28	All month

Observed

American Heart Month is observed throughout the United States. Various organizations, including the American Heart Association, healthcare providers, and community groups, participate in raising awareness about heart health through educational programs, events, and campaigns.

Fun Facts About the Heart

The average heart beats 100,000 times a day
The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood every day
A woman’s heart typically beats faster than a man’s heart
The heart can continue beating even when separated from the body

Quiz

What is the leading cause of death in the United States?
How often does someone have a heart attack in the U.S.?
What age group has the highest visit counts for heart disease?

(Answers: 1. Heart disease, 2. Every 40 seconds, 3. Ages 71-80)

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of American Heart Month?
A: American Heart Month aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and promote heart disease prevention through education and lifestyle changes.

Q: How can I participate in American Heart Month?
A: You can participate by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, educating yourself about heart health, making heart-healthy lifestyle changes, and supporting organizations that promote cardiovascular health.

Importance of American Heart Month

American Heart Month plays a crucial role in educating the public about the risks of heart disease and promoting preventive measures. It encourages people to adopt heart-healthy habits, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and quitting smoking. The observance also supports ongoing research efforts to improve heart disease treatment and prevention.