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National Heart Healthy Month

Start the month with a commitment to your heart health! Join in on National Heart Healthy Month and get tips, recipes, and more for a healthier you.

Monday

1–28

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of February

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYHeart Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

February is National Heart Healthy Month, and it's the perfect time to start taking care of your heart! It all began in 1963 when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the first "Heart Disease Control Week," and since then, there has been an ongoing effort to promote awareness of heart health. With this special month, we can take advantage of our opportunity to learn more about how we can live a healthier lifestyle and reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease. So let's get started on improving our hearts for a better tomorrow!

TIMELINE

National Heart Healthy Month Timeline

Framingham Heart Study

The Framingham Heart Study begins, a long-term, ongoing cardiovascular cohort study on residents of the city of Framingham, Massachusetts, laying the groundwork for heart disease awareness and prevention.

First Heart Transplant

Dr. James Hardy performs the first human heart transplant, which marked an important milestone in the development of heart disease treatment methodology.

National Heart Month Initiated

President Ronald Reagan proclaims February as American Heart Month, calling upon the people of the United States to recognize the nationwide problem of heart and blood vessel diseases.

Wear Red Day

The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute launched the first National Wear Red Day for Women as a way to bring national attention to the fact that heart disease is the #1 killer of women.

Dietary Guidelines Released

The U.S. government releases new dietary guidelines suggesting a healthy diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, reinforcing the importance of National Heart Healthy Month.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Heart Healthy Month

Eat healthy meals

Make sure to make heart-healthy meals for your family during National Heart Healthy Month. Incorporate lean proteins, whole grains, and lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet to promote a healthier heart.

Go for a walk

Get out of the house and go for a walk! Walking is an easy way to get some physical activity in your life and is great exercise for your heart. Plus, it can be a great way to spend time with family or friends.

TRY

Try a new exercise

If you're looking for something a little more intense than walking, why not try a new exercise? Look for a local gym or fitness studio near you and try out some new classes like yoga, swimming, or kickboxing - all of which are great for your heart.

QUIT

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. National Heart Healthy Month is the perfect time to take the plunge and quit smoking for good.

CHECK

Check your cholesterol

Make sure to get your cholesterol checked during National Heart Healthy Month. High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, so it's important to stay on top of it.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Heart Healthy Month is Important

The power of knowledge

Raising awareness about the importance of heart health leads to better decisions that can have long lasting impacts on our lives. National Heart Month serves as an important reminder to take care of our hearts so that we can avoid future illnesses or complications down the road.

Heart health is essential

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Taking steps to ensure your heart health can drastically reduce the risk of developing heart conditions and help you live a longer, healthier life.

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference

Making small changes such as eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health. During Heart Health Month, people are encouraged to adopt these healthy habits and make them a part of their day to day routines.

Related holidays

American Heart Month

Show your heart some love this American Heart Month - make sure to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get regular check-ups for a healthier you!

National Woman’s Heart Day

On National Woman’s Heart Day, let's raise awareness and take a stride towards a healthier heart. Every beat matters – for you and for her!

Women’s Heart Week

Join us in raising awareness and supporting women's heart health during Women's Heart Week - because a healthy heart is a happy heart!

British Heart Week

Join the fight against heart disease this British Heart Week - spread awareness, make healthy choices, and support life-saving research!

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