Love Your Ticker: A Guide to American Heart Month 2026

Jeremy Bouie
Feb 2
3 min read

February is the month of love—but it’s also a powerful reminder to show some love to the most important muscle in your body: your heart.

Since 1964, February has been federally recognized as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease. And while heart disease is often thought of as something that affects “other people,” the truth is simple and sobering: heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

The good news? Heart disease is largely preventable—and February 2026 is the perfect time to start.

❤️ The Facts That Matter (February 1–28, 2026)

Heart disease is the #1 killer in the U.S., claiming approximately 700,000 lives every year.
About 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes.
Small, consistent actions can significantly reduce your risk—starting today.

📅 Mark Your Calendar: National Wear Red Day

Friday, February 6, 2026

National Wear Red Day shines a spotlight on women’s heart health and supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement. While heart disease affects everyone, it remains the leading cause of death for women—and many don’t recognize the warning signs.

How You Can Participate:

Wear red to work, school, or wherever your day takes you
Start a conversation about heart health
Snap a selfie in your red gear
Share it on social media using #OurHearts or #HeartMonth

Awareness saves lives—and it can start with a simple outfit choice.

🫀 Life’s Essential 8: Your Heart-Health Checklist

The American Heart Association identifies eight key pillars that support lifelong cardiovascular health. Think of this as your heart’s maintenance plan:

✅ Eat Better Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

✅ Be More Active Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week—brisk walking counts!

✅ Quit Tobacco This is the single best thing you can do for your heart.

✅ Get Healthy Sleep7–9 hours per night is the sweet spot for heart recovery.

✅ Manage Weight Even a 5–10% weight loss can improve blood pressure and cholesterol.

✅ Control Cholesterol Know your numbers—especially LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”).

✅ Manage Blood Sugar High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time.

✅ Manage Blood Pressure Often called the “silent killer” because it may show no symptoms.

You don’t have to master all eight at once—progress beats perfection.

🚑 Be a Lifesaver: Learn Hands-Only CPR

February is also a great time to learn a skill that could save a life.

Fact: Most cardiac arrests happen at home, often to someone you love.

Hands-Only CPR Is Simple:

Call 911
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest(To the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”—yes, really!)

You don’t need formal training to act, but learning the technique builds confidence when seconds matter.

💡 Ways to Get Involved This Heart Month

🥗 Try a Heart-Healthy 15-Minute Recipe

Think simple and powerful:

Grilled salmon with lemon and olive oil
Spinach or kale salad with walnuts and berries
Whole grains + healthy fats = heart win

🚶‍♀️ Join the 30-Day Movement Challenge

Commit to 15–30 minutes of walking every day in February.Check it off on a calendar. Small steps add up fast.

🩺 Check Your Numbers

Many local clinics and pharmacies offer free blood pressure screenings this month. Knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps you can take.