February is American Heart month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 697,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease in 2021.This accounts for 1 in every 5 deaths in the country.
Heart Month 2025 is a month-long initiative focused on heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention. It aims to educate individuals about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and making lifestyle choices that support cardiovascular well-being. American Heart Month is celebrated in February to educate the public about heart disease and stroke, advocate for heart health policies, and fund research. There are a number of ways to participate in American Heart Month such as:
- Wearing red as a way to show support for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, which aims to save women’s lives.
- Use hashtags and spread the word on social media. When sharing information on social media, use hashtags like #HeartMonth, #HeartHealth, #CardiovascularHealth, #HealthyHeart, and #PreventHeartDisease.
- Get screened for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).
The statistics can vary slightly year to year, but the trend shows that heart disease remains a critical public health issue. Common causes include coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Preventing heart disease involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors effectively. Below are a few evidence-based cardiac disease prevention tips:
- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on a Mediterranean diet or DASH diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa), lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans, legumes) and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados. Limit Sodium (less than 2,300 mg/day and aim for 1,500 mg if at high risk), sugary foods and drinks and saturated and trans fats.
- Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling) per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (e.g., running, swimming). Add strength training at least twice per week if possible.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which contribute to heart disease. A healthy BMI is between 18.5–24.9, but waist circumference (under 35 inches for women, under 40 inches for men) is also critical.
Other strategies include quitting smoking and avoid secondhand smoke as smoking damages blood vessels, increases plaque buildup, and raises the risk of heart attacks and manage blood pressure as high blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of heart disease. Aim to keep your blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg and control cholesterol levels. Reduce LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and raise HDL (“good” cholesterol) through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. Avoiding foods high in saturated fats and trans fats will support your cholesterol maintenance. Decrease stress as much as possible as stress has been linked to cardiac risk.
For more information about heart health and healthy living see link below: