February is American Heart Month, a built-in reminder that heart health isn’t only a “someday” goal—it’s the everyday habits that add up over years. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death nationally, and in Minnesota it continues to take a significant toll: the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports 8,972 heart-disease deaths in 2022 (about 17% of all deaths), plus more than 45,000 acute heart-disease hospitalizations that year.
The good news: many of the biggest risk factors are modifiable. And you don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to start. Think in terms of “heart-friendly defaults”—small choices you can repeat.
Heart Health Basics That Actually Move the Needle
Know your numbers. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can trend in the wrong direction quietly. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer,” and organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) emphasize regular screening and “know your numbers” efforts in communities. If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, American Heart Month is a good nudge to schedule one.
Move more—especially if you sit a lot. You don’t need a marathon plan. Consistency matters more than intensity for most people. Start with what’s realistic: brisk walks, short strength sessions, taking stairs, or “movement snacks” during the workday. Mayo Clinic’s prevention guidance centers physical activity as a core heart-protective habit (alongside tobacco avoidance and diet).
Build meals around plants (and keep it simple). Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains support heart health through fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Mayo Clinic’s practical advice includes an easy starting point: add at least one plant to every meal.
Be tobacco- and vape-aware. Avoiding tobacco is one of the strongest heart-protective moves you can make—whether it’s quitting or avoiding secondhand exposure. Mayo Clinic lists not using tobacco as a primary prevention strategy.
Prioritize sleep and stress support. Chronic stress and poor sleep don’t just affect mood; they influence blood pressure, inflammation, and habits like eating and drinking. If your stress has been high, focus on one stabilizer: a consistent bedtime, a daily walk, limiting late caffeine, or adding a short wind-down routine.
Learn the signs—and don’t wait. Symptoms of heart attack and stroke can look different from person to person, and women’s symptoms can be less “classic.” If something feels wrong, getting help quickly matters. The AHA provides symptom guidance and encourages learning CPR as part of community readiness.
A Minnesota Snapshot: Why This Month Matters Here
Minnesota has strong health systems and some of the nation’s lowest heart-disease death rates over long time spans—but heart disease remains a major burden statewide. MDH notes that about 4% of Minnesota adults report having had a heart attack (roughly 180,000 people) and reiterates that heart disease is among the state’s leading causes of death. Another MDH update on cardiovascular disease and stroke highlights their combined impact on overall mortality in recent state data.
The takeaway isn’t fear—it’s focus: prevention is powerful, and community-level support helps people keep up healthy habits.
Ways To Support Heart Health Beyond Your Own Habits
If you want to put American Heart Month into action in a bigger way, here are a few meaningful options:
Go Red/Wear Red: National Wear Red Day is Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, a visible way to support women’s heart health and share evidence-based resources.
Learn CPR: The AHA notes that about 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes, and starting CPR can double or triple survival chances—skills that can help a neighbor, coworker, or family member. Find a class near you.
Support Minnesota research and care: The University of Minnesota’s Every Heart MN Heart Month campaign highlights giving to fuel cardiovascular research and clinical care.
Volunteer or donate locally: The AHA Minnesota affiliate shares local initiatives and ways to give that support screening, education, and health equity work in the state.
Courtesy of American Heart Association
Events to Attend in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota
If you’re looking for something concrete to put on the calendar, here are several February events and opportunities connected to heart health (mix of community-facing and professional education):
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Community Monthly Health Fair—Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, Minneapolis
The Family Partnership hosts a community health fair with M Health Fairview and partners. -
HealthPartners Cardiovascular Conference—Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, St. Louis Park
A one-day cardiovascular conference (medical/professional audience). -
National Wear Red Day—Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, Nationwide
Participate by wearing red and sharing women’s heart-health awareness resources. -
Hearts in Motion—Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, Minneapolis
An inaugural benefit event supporting HEART, a new youth-centered nonprofit (5-9 p.m.). -
Minnesota Cardiology Symposium 2026—Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, Bloomington
Hosted at the Radisson Blu Mall of America (3:30-8 p.m.). -
Twin Cities Go Red for Women—Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, Northeast Minneapolis
The AHA’s Go Red for Women Evening of Empowerment at Quincy Hall (5:30-8:30 p.m.). -
Rock From the Heart—Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, Shakopee
A heart-health event that raises awareness of aortic and heart valve disease while connecting impacted families to resources—using the healing power of music (5-11 p.m.). -
Heart Valve Disease Awareness—Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, Dellwood
“From Basics to Breakthroughs: Heart Valve Health and Vitality,” a community education event. -
Northland Go Red for Women Experience—April 22, 2026, Duluth
Go Red for Women is a powerful movement focused on ensuring women are seen, heard, and counted when it comes to their health.
