February is Heart Month! Heart Month 2025 is a month-long initiative focused on heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide.
Heart Month has a long history dating back to the 1960s when it was initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA) in the United States. Since then, it has grown into an international observance, with various countries and organizations participating in heart health awareness activities.
Key Statistics
Heart.org provides a 2025 toolkit of information and statistics. Here is a recap to help you increase your awareness.
- Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States – and 90% of these are fatal.
- About 70% of cardiac arrests that happen outside of a hospital happen at home.
- CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
- Less than 12% of individuals who experienced a cardiac arrest in public had a bystander who applied AED.
- For adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival. Infants and children need CPR including breaths.
- More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year 40% are related to sports. Nearly 20% are infants.
- Cardiac arrest accounts for 10-15% of sudden unexpected infant deaths.
- Only about 41% of people who experience cardiac arrest receive CPR from people nearby while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
- Women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander. Barriers include fear of legal ramifications and accusations of inappropriate touching.
- A 2017 study found that only 39% of women in cardiac arrest received CPR from strangers in public, compared with 45% of men, and men’s odds of surviving were 23% higher than women.
- Minority and lower-income patients are more likely to suffer from poor cardiac arrest outcomes compared to White or higher-income patients.
- Patients of lower socioeconomic status and minority backgrounds are less likely to receive high-quality CPR, such as timely bystander support and defibrillator usage if indicated.
Helpful Tips to Maintain a Healthy Heart
Improving heart health involves consciously reducing risk factors and adopting heart-healthy habits. Here are some ways to promote heart health during Heart Month and beyond. Awarenessdays.com posted this helpful list for 2025.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can help improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, seek support to quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Manage Stress: To reduce the impact of stress on your heart, practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
- Monitor Blood Pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly and work with your healthcare provider to manage it within a healthy range
- .Control Cholesterol: Maintain healthy cholesterol levels by following a heart-healthy diet and, if necessary, taking prescribed medications.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular physical activity.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to heart problems.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support heart health.
Valentine’s Day and the Heart
A 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that older adults who are isolated or lonely may have a higher risk of heart disease and depression. On this Valentine’s Day, check in with those who matter to you, especially those who live alone ❣️
Speaking of heart month, a gift from the heart includes looking ahead in your weekly or monthly planning to get yourself organized and share your decisions with those close to your heart. If you’re interested in reviewing your details and outlining a plan for you, send me an Email or Message anytime!
For additional information about my work check out my website @ The Living Planner or my online DIY information @ The Living Planner.
“Where there is love, there is life.” —Mahatma Gandhi
Happy and healthy heart to you as we kick off Valentine’s Day and celebrate Heart Month! Lynn
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