Yes. In the United States, February is American Heart Month, an annual observance that raises awareness of heart disease. National Wear Red Day falls on the first Friday of February.
The United Kingdom also marks Heart Month in February, led by the British Heart Foundation. Some other countries use different months.
If you are asking whether February is heart health month, the short answer is yes. Every February, hospitals, schools, workplaces, and health groups in the United States spend the month talking about heart disease and how to prevent it.
Many people mix it up with Valentine’s Day, since both fall in February and both use hearts. They are separate. Heart Month is about the heart as an organ, and it points to practical steps, such as checking your blood pressure.
This article gives the official name and dates, explains where the observance came from and why it falls in February, and lists what it includes. It also covers other heart awareness dates around the world, such as World Heart Day in September, and simple ways to use the month for your own health.
The Official Answer: American Heart Month
In the United States, February is American Heart Month. The federal government recognizes it as an annual observance. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement describes together on its site. A university medical school page also calls the month “Heart Health Awareness Month,” which shows how many people use the two names.
Dates
| Year | American Heart Month | National Wear Red Day |
| 2026 | February 1-28, 2026 | Friday, February 6, 2026 |
| 2027 | February 1-28, 2027 | Friday, February 5, 2027 (first Friday pattern; confirm with the AHA) |
As of October 14, 2026, the 2026 observance is over and the next one begins on February 1, 2027.
Where it came from
In December 1963, Congress passed a joint resolution asking the president to proclaim February as American Heart Month each year. President Lyndon B. Johnson then issued for February 1964. The proclamation asked Americans to pay attention to heart and blood vessel disease. The American College of Cardiology tells the story in
Why February?
Some sources connect February with the heart imagery of Valentine’s Day. I did not find an official statement explaining the choice, so treat that link as unconfirmed. What matters is that the observance gives health groups one month a year to focus attention on heart disease.
Heart Month Activities and Limits
What it includes
- National Wear Red Day. It falls on the first Friday of February. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement leads it. Its Wear Red Day page describes cardiovascular disease as the No. 1 killer of women and asks people to wear red to raise awareness.
- Education about risk factors. Health groups use the month to explain the main risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and family history.
- Local events. Hospitals, clinics, schools, and community groups often hold blood pressure checks, walks, and talks. These vary by place and year, so check with local groups.
- Social media campaigns. Hashtags such as #WearRedDay help spread the message.
What it does not mean
- It is not only about women. Wear Red Day highlights women’s heart health because heart disease in women often goes unnoticed, but the month is for everyone.
- Not a single test or event. Awareness alone does not protect your heart. Checking your numbers and acting on them does.
- Valentine’s Day is a separate event. The two share a month and a symbol, but they are unrelated.
- You still need your own doctor. This is not a medical service, so screening, diagnosis, and treatment come from your own clinician.
Other Heart Awareness Months and Days
February is not the only time heart health gets attention. Different countries and groups use different dates.
| Observance | When | Where or who |
| American Heart Month | February | United States |
| Heart Month | February | United Kingdom, led by the British Heart Foundation |
| World Hypertension Day | May 17 | Global; focuses on high blood pressure |
| World No Tobacco Day | May 31 | Global; relevant because smoking harms the heart |
| Heart Awareness Month | September | South Africa, ending on World Heart Day |
| World Heart Day | September 29 | Global; the World Heart Federation runs it |
So if you live in the UK, February is also Heart Month. If you live in South Africa, the national heart awareness month is September. Check your own country’s heart foundation or health department for local dates and events.
The point stays the same everywhere. Use the awareness period to check your own numbers and habits, not just to read about them.
How to Use Heart Month for Your Own Health
You do not need to wait until February. These steps work any time, and Heart Month is a good reminder to start.
- Check your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Many clinics and community events offer free checks, or you can use a validated home monitor.
- Ask about cholesterol and blood sugar tests. Your doctor can tell you how often you need them.
- Learn your family history. Tell your doctor if a parent or sibling had heart disease early.
- Move more. Most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Check with a doctor first if you have heart disease or symptoms.
- Eat more plants and cut back on salt and added sugar.
- Quit tobacco. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about proven help.
- Take prescribed medicines as directed. Do not stop them because you feel well.
These steps reflect widely accepted heart health guidance. Your doctor can tailor them to your situation.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Schedule a visit if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a history of smoking, or a family history of early heart disease. A heart month event, a quiz, or a home device cannot diagnose heart disease. Screening, risk assessment, and diagnostic testing are different things, and a doctor decides which you need.
Get emergency help right away for chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or signs of a stroke such as face drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking. Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States). Do not wait for a heart month event or a clinic visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is February American Heart Month?
Yes. February is American Heart Month in the United States, a yearly observance that began with a 1964 presidential proclamation. National Wear Red Day, led by the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women, falls on the first Friday of the month. The next Heart Month starts February 1, 2027.
When is National Wear Red Day?
It falls on the first Friday of February. In 2026 it was Friday, February 6. In 2027, the first Friday is February 5, so that is the expected date. Confirm it with the American Heart Association, since the group announces dates ahead of time.
Why is February heart health month?
Congress asked the president in December 1963 to proclaim February as American Heart Month, and President Johnson did so for February 1964. I did not find an official explanation for choosing February. Some people link it to Valentine’s Day imagery, but that link is unconfirmed.
Is February also Heart Month in the UK?
Yes. The British Heart Foundation leads Heart Month in the UK during February. Other countries use different dates. South Africa, for example, marks Heart Awareness Month in September, ending on World Heart Day on September 29.
Is Heart Month only for women?
No. American Heart Month is for everyone. National Wear Red Day highlights women’s heart health, since heart disease is a leading threat to women and often goes unnoticed. Men and people of all ages benefit from checking their blood pressure, staying active, and avoiding tobacco.
What should I do during Heart Month?
Get your blood pressure checked, ask your doctor about cholesterol and blood sugar tests, and learn your family history. Add activity and heart-healthy foods to your routine, and quit tobacco if you smoke. Choose habits you can keep after February ends.
Key Takeaway
Yes, February is heart health month. In the United States, it is American Heart Month, with National Wear Red Day on the first Friday, and the UK also marks Heart Month in February. The 1964 proclamation began the tradition.
Awareness helps most when it leads to action: check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, stay active, eat well, and avoid tobacco. See your doctor about your personal risk, and call emergency services for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke signs.
