American Heart Month Events
February is American Heart Month. This year marks the 61st year of this annual observance, where organizations such as the American Heart Association shine a spotlight on heart disease and many of the other common heart health issues impacting Americans. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and American Heart Month plays an important role in helping individuals learn how to live a more heart healthy lifestyle.
At South Denver Cardiology Associates, we’re proud to participate in American Heart Month. As Denver’s leading cardiology clinic, we’re committed to educating our community about the risk factors that contribute to heart disease, as well as the steps you can take to improve your heart health. We’d like to highlight some of the biggest events sponsored by the American Heart Association throughout the month of February so that you’ll know how you can participate in this important occasion.
Important Heart Disease Statistics You Should Know
Each year, the American Heart Association collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government agencies to compile the latest statistics on heart disease, stroke and other common cardiovascular conditions. This data is released in the AHA’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update, providing a valuable resource for cardiologists, researchers, healthcare policymakers, and the general public.
The following data from the AHA report sheds light on the significant impact of heart disease on public health in the United States and underscores the importance of continued efforts associated with research, prevention and treatment:
- 49% of the US population has experienced some form of heart disease, including high blood pressure, clogged arteries, heart failure and stroke
- On average, someone dies of heart disease every 34 seconds in the United States
- There are approximately 605,000 new heart attacks and 200,000 recurrent heart attacks annually
- Approximately 170,000 of these heart attacks are silent and aren’t accompanied by any significant symptoms
- Sudden cardiac arrest causes approximately 55 deaths per day in the United States
- Nearly 47% of American adults have high blood pressure, but 38% of those with the condition are unaware they have it
- The age-adjusted death rate from high blood pressure increased by 66% over the past decade, while the actual number of deaths rose by 91%
Major AHA 2025 American Heart Month Events and Initiatives
The American Heart Association will be leading a variety of events and initiatives throughout the month to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. Throughout the month, the AHA will focus on:
- Educating communities about heart disease prevention
- Honoring heart heroes
- Urging families to join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by learning CPR
- Promoting the “Heart to Heart: Why Losing One Woman Is Too Many” campaign
Some of the key events and dates to be aware of include:
- Greater New Haven Go Red for Women Reception (February 5) – The AHA will host an evening of celebration and education supporting women’s heart health.
- National Wear Red Day (February 7) – People are encouraged to wear red on February 7 to raise awareness about the impact of heart disease on women.
- Walk with a Doc (February 1st) – This event will be led by Dr. Juan Weksler, MD with South Denver Cardiology, he will discuss how to lower the risk of developing heart disease. Learn more about Walk with a Doc here,
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (February 7-14) – Events, educational campaigns and fundraising events will be held to inform the public about congenital heart defects and the importance of research associated with these serious conditions.
- Heart Rehab Week (February 9-15) – This week-long initiative includes a variety of activities to raise awareness about the importance of cardiac rehabilitation in managing heart disease and improving patient outcomes.
- Heart Failure Awareness Week (Feb 9-15) – Sponsored by the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), this initiative includes a variety of activities to promote heart awareness, patient education and heart failure prevention practices.
- Mended Hearts Meeting (February 18) – This event features keynote speaker Dr. Vincent DeFilippi presenting on the topic “Ozempic and the Heart.”
- American Heart Association’s Exercise Challenge – The AHA is sponsoring a fitness challenge encouraging participants to achieve 150 minutes or more of cardiovascular exercise each week throughout the month of February.
- “Go Red for Women” Campaign – This month-long campaign promotes women’s heart health awareness.
- Free “Ask the Experts” Presentations – Virtual educational sessions on heart health topics will be held throughout the month.
Important Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Heart Health
American Heart Month provides all of us with an opportunity to reflect on the important steps we can take and lifestyle changes we can make to adopt heart-healthy habits and reduce the risk of heart disease. These include:
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet – Eat a balanced diet containing plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat diary products. In addition, limit your consumption of sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars.
- Learn Hands-Only CPR- The next Hands-Only CPR class at South Denver Cardiology is February 18th at 1 pm. Register for this free class here.
- Exercise Regularly – Get at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every week. Activities such as walking, running, cycling and swimming are effective ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking is one of the greatest risk factors for heart disease and a variety of other serious health issues.
- Maintain a Heart-Healthy Weight – Use your alterations to your diet and exercise habits to maintain a heart-healthy weight.
- Control Cholesterol Levels – Make adjustments to your diet that will help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. If necessary, take prescription medications under the direction of your doctor to improve your ability to manage this issue.
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure – Check your blood pressure regularly to ensure it remains within a healthy range. If necessary, work with your doctor to take additional steps to properly manage your blood pressure.
- Manage Stress – Engaging in stress reduction practices such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness will help reduce the impact of stress on your heart health.
- Get Proper Amounts of Sleep – Getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night will help you maintain optimal heart health.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption – Keep alcohol consumption to moderate levels since excessive drinking can increase your risk of heart issues.
South Denver Cardiology Can Help You Maintain Proper Heart Health
At South Denver Cardiology Associates, we offer a wide range of services to help you maintain optimal levels of heart health. Whether you’re currently trying to manage a heart condition, want to stay on top of proper diagnostic and preventive measures, or simply want to learn more about lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart health, we have you covered with the following services:
- Diagnostic testing to detect heart conditions in their earliest stages
- Comprehensive clinical cardiology services that include everything from basic preventive care to life-saving interventional treatments
- Medical fitness gym to help you develop and maintain a heart healthy fitness regimen
- Nutritional counseling to help you establish and maintain a heart healthy diet
- Weight loss clinic to help you achieve a heart healthy weight
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas.
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