American Heart Month was established in 1963 by President Lyndon B. Johnson under Presidential Proclamation 3566. The first observance took place in February 1964.
In the past, it has been marked by various activities. Communities have organized free health screenings, CPR training sessions, and educational workshops. National Wear Red Day, observed on the first Friday of February, encourages individuals to wear red to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
The timeline of the American Heart Month includes the formation of the American Heart Association in 1924. However, it was not until the 50s when doctors began to understand cholesterol and the role of a low-fat diet in cardiovascular health. Major achievements of the US heart surgeons include the first bypass performed in 1967 in the Cleveland Clinic.
American Heart Month 2025
In 2025, numerous organizations are participating in American Heart Month. The White House has traditionally released a presidential statement encouraging all to participate.
The American Heart Association continues its “Go Red for Women” campaign, focusing on women’s heart health. They also promote the “Nation of Lifesavers” initiative, encouraging people to learn CPR.
The National Institute of Health hosts a Facebook event called the The Heart Truth.
The Texas Heart Institute is hosting events such as the Heart Healthy Expo, featuring hands-on CPR demonstrations and free health screenings.
In 2025, the American Heart Association is emphasizing CPR education through its “Nation of Lifesavers” initiative. They provide resources to help individuals learn Hands-Only CPR, aiming to increase the number of people prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) promotes the “#OurHearts” campaign during February. This initiative encourages people to join together with friends, family, and community groups to prevent heart disease. They offer toolkits with fact sheets, social media resources, and strategies to promote heart health.
Workplaces are also engaging in Heart Month activities. Many organizations host heart-healthy lunch-and-learn sessions, organize step challenges, and encourage employees to wear red to raise awareness. Providing heart-healthy snacks and sharing daily heart health tips are common practices.
