February is American Heart Month, a time when all people—especially women—are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. This toolkit contains facts and resources that anyone can use to raise awareness about the risks of heart disease and the importance of identifying and managing heart-related health conditions.
History of American Heart Month
The human heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout our body, supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing toxins and waste. Weighing between 8 and 12 ounces, the heart is a mighty organ divided into four chambers that work together to pump blood in and out. The heart gets oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the rest of the body. It does this by contracting at a rhythmic pace, about 60-80 times per minute, thanks to electrical cells called “pacemakers.” When the heart ceases to perform its regular function, a medical device also called a pacemaker can be implanted to assist the heart.
Heart disease occurs when the arteries leading to the heart become clogged. Although heart disease has been around for thousands of years, we do know that many aspects of modern life exacerbate risk factors and make people more prone to heart disease and heart failure. Today, one in four deaths in the U.S. is attributable to heart disease. Heart disease can affect everyone, but taking stock of your prior health risks, activities and diet can help you reduce your risk.
Although we’ve learned a lot about how the heart works, there are still many unanswered questions about heart health and the cardiovascular system. As far as we know, the best way to protect your heart is to stay active, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and reduce your daily stress. To celebrate American Heart Month, take some time to learn about heart health risks, find your favorite heart-healthy activities, and cook some healthy meals with your family.
Heart disease occurs when the arteries leading to the heart become clogged. Although heart disease has been around for thousands of years, we do know that many aspects of modern life exacerbate risk factors and make people more prone to heart disease and heart failure. Today, one in four deaths in the U.S. is attributable to heart disease. Heart disease can affect everyone, but taking stock of your prior health risks, activities and diet can help you reduce your risk.
Although we’ve learned a lot about how the heart works, there are still many unanswered questions about heart health and the cardiovascular system. As far as we know, the best way to protect your heart is to stay active, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and reduce your daily stress. To celebrate American Heart Month, take some time to learn about heart health risks, find your favorite heart-healthy activities, and cook some healthy meals with your family.
Heart disease quick facts
- Heart disease is very common. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups.1 In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease.12
- High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke. And just 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure has it under control.3
- Heart disease is costly. The cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity from heart disease amounted to $252.2 billion between 2019 and 2020
A 7-Day Cardiac Diet Meal Plan for a Healthier Heart
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries and chopped nuts
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed vegetables
- Snack: Plain Greek yogurt with cucumbers and dill
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa
- Breakfast: Whole-grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable soup
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Grilled turkey burgers with baked sweet potato fries
- Breakfast: Plain Greek yogurt with nuts and mixed fruits
- Lunch: Spinach and chickpea salad with feta cheese
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter
- Dinner: Tofu stir-fry over brown rice
- Breakfast: Spinach, banana, berry, and almond milk smoothie
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean bowl with roasted vegetables
- Snack: Mixed nuts
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with roasted brussels sprouts
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach and whole-grain toast
- Lunch: Whole-grain wrap with lean turkey, hummus, and veggies
- Snack: Orange slices
- Dinner: Grilled fish with steamed asparagus and wild rice
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, and your choice of fruit
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed veggies and a light dressing
- Snack: Cottage cheese bowl with pineapple chunks
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with baked sweet potatoes
- Breakfast: Whole-grain pancakes with fresh berries and honey
- Lunch: Mediterranean-style salad with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese
- Snack: Air-popped popcorn
- Dinner: Lentil curry with brown rice and steamed vegetables