02/10/2026
American Heart Month raises awareness about heart disease and promotes cardiovascular health during the month of February. The main focus of American Heart Month is on prevention and education. It encourages people to take steps toward a healthier heart through lifestyle changes, early detection, and medical care.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in every 5 deaths each year. Heart disease does not affect all populations equally: older adults are at greater risk, men generally develop heart disease earlier in life than women, and certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly Black and Hispanic Americans, experience higher rates of mortality and complications due to disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic factors, and prevalence of risk factors. Key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Despite the prevalence of heart disease, it is largely preventable by maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding to***co, and managing conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Ultimately, heart disease in America represents a preventable but pervasive public health challenge, and continued emphasis on education, lifestyle changes, and medical management is critical to reducing its impact.
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