Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, killing 17.9 million people every year — a number that’s expected to grow past 23.6 million by 2030. About 80 percent of these deaths are from heart attack and stroke, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Heart Federation. In the United States, more than 126 million people had some form of cardiovascular disease between 2015 and 2018. During that time span, nearly 59 percent of non-Hispanic Black females and 60 percent of non-Hispanic Black males had some form of cardiovascular disease. The total direct costs of heart disease and stroke were estimated to be more than $200 billion between 2016 and 2017. Despite these enormous challenges, there are some hopeful signs. Many risk factors for heart disease can be modified, including lack of physical activity, poor diet, and tobacco use. And in the United States, the death rate from cardiovascular disease decreased by 18.6 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to an American Heart Association report published in January 2019 in the journal Circulation. These facts — showing both the huge problem that heart disease presents, and the opportunities to reduce its burden — point to the importance of heart disease awareness and action. This year, a number of advocacy and research organizations are supporting events to educate the public about cardiovascular disease and raise money for research and support services. Here’s an overview of events and activities related to heart health in February and beyond, and how you can get involved in your community and online.

February Is American Heart Month

The biggest push for cardiovascular health awareness in the United States is American Heart Month, as February has been named by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This year, each day of the week has been given a theme:

#SelfcareSunday Set yourself up for success by creating a self-care checklist for the week.#MindfulMonday Know your heart stats, including blood pressure numbers.#TastyTuesday Enjoy a delicious, heart-healthy recipe.#WellnessWednesday Get your heart into your wellness routine.#TreatYourselfThursday Treat yourself to some fun and relaxation.#FollowFriday Share who inspires you to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.#SelfieSaturday Post a selfie with your favorite way to take care of your heart.

People, families, and organizations are encouraged to take steps to recognize each of these weeks, from preparing heart-healthy recipes to setting up an online support group to encourage one another to eat healthier, work out, and quit smoking. To help people observe the month in general, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has a number of promotional materials related to heart health that can be circulated or posted in physical spaces or on social media. These include fact sheets on various topics, “infocards” about heart health for each U.S. state, sample social media posts and images, articles to share in groups or newsletters, and more. For more information about social media campaigns and resources, scroll ahead to “How to Spread Awareness About Heart Health.”

National Wear Red Day Is February 5, 2021

On the first Friday in February, people are encouraged to wear red to raise awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States. Promotional materials and sample social media posts for the day are available from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The day will also feature a free global virtual dance fitness party from 12 to 12:30 EST.

Heart Failure Awareness Week Is February 14 to 20, 2021

Since 2001, the week of Valentine’s Day has been Heart Failure Awareness Week, organized by the Heart Failure Society of America. The week features an advertising campaign to help people recognize the signs of heart failure, get heart-related screenings, and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. As part of the campaign, there will be a live Twitter chat on Wednesday, February 17, hosted by the Heart Failure Society of America and several other partner organizations to discuss improving heart failure patient outcomes (follow hashtag #HFChat2021), as well as an Innovations Countdown on social media from Monday, February 15, to Friday, February 19. There will also be three new episodes of the podcast Heart Failure Beat: Healthy Living during the week. Interested medical and community groups are encouraged by the Heart Failure Society of America to host a virtual awareness event during the week, with an organizing kit and supplemental materials available on the group’s website.

World Heart Day Is September 29

Organized by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day united thousands of people around the world to spread awareness of heart health in 2020. If you or your organization would like to take part in observing the day, there are resources available to share in person or on social media. Here is a list of walks and athletic events for heart health in February 2021 and beyond.

Heart WalkKids Heart ChallengeCycleNationWalk for 1 in 100Heart & Vascular 5K Run & Walk (Daytona Beach, Florida)Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run, and Fun Walk (Washington, DC)

Heart Walk

This walking event raises money for the American Heart Association. This year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, local events hosted by communities across the country are taking place virtually. Many hold their walk in February, in recognition of Heart Health Month. To find a Heart Walk near you, visit the event page from the American Heart Association.

Kids Heart Challenge

This school-based event is organized locally with support from the American Heart Association. It features physical activity like jumping rope, along with educational activities and games that teach children about how their heart works. On top of this, the event raises money for children with heart problems. To learn more about the event or to see if a school near you is participating, visit the event page from the American Heart Association.

CycleNation

This cycling event takes place at locations across the country throughout the year, and may involve either stationary or traditional cycling. It raises money for stroke and heart disease research funded by the American Heart Association. To find a CycleNation event near you, visit the event page from the American Heart Association.

Walk for 1 in 100

This walk, which takes place on different dates throughout the year in cities across the country, supports the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Its title refers to the share of the population born with a heart defect. While walks for 2021 have not been announced yet, all of the 2020 Walk for 1 in 100 events were virtual in accordance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. You can also sign up for a virtual “ACHA Your Way” walk that can be done on any day, at any location. For more information, visit the event page from the Adult Congenital Heart Association.

Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run, and Fun Walk: June 12, 2021

While it doesn’t take place until June, this walk and run is a major fundraising event for the American Heart Association — led by members of the legal community and bringing together over 300 organizations and 6,000 runners and walkers. This year, the event will be held both virtually and in person, pending public health guidance at the time of the race. For more information or to sign up, visit the event page from the American Heart Association.

Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection (due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event will not take place this year)Cardiovascular SummitInternational Stroke ConferenceHeart Failure Society of America Annual Scientific MeetingAmerican College of Cardiology 21 Scientific Session & ExpoAmerican Heart Association Scientific Sessions

Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection

This “exclusive event where dozens of diverse personalities strut down the catwalk, shining a light on heart disease in women,” is organized by — and raises money for — the American Heart Association. It is a beloved event that takes place every year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event will not take place in 2021.

Cardiovascular Summit: February 12 to 13, 2021

This conference, organized by the American College of Cardiology, features presentations by experts on “managing rapid change and transforming CV care,” “enhancing the academic agenda and optimizing the clinical experience,” and “navigating healthcare economics.” It’s intended for cardiovascular healthcare providers, and is taking place virtually this year. Find out more about the summit at its event page from the American College of Cardiology.

International Stroke Conference: March 17 to 19, 2021

This flagship conference on stroke care is organized by the American Heart Association, and is dedicated to the science and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. This year, the conference will be 100 percent virtual. For more information or to register, visit the event page from the American Heart Association.

ACC.21 Scientific Session & Expo: May 15 to 17, 2021

The American College of Cardiology’s 70th annual Scientific Session & Expo features presentations on “the latest practice-changing updates in care and cutting-edge education.” It takes place in Atlanta, with the option to attend virtually. For more information or to register for the conference, visit the event page from the American College of Cardiology.

Heart Failure Society of America’s Annual Scientific Meeting: September 10 to 13, 2021

The Heart Failure Society of America’s Annual Scientific Meeting is a place where “heart failure teams gather.” This year’s conference takes place in Denver. Registration and agenda will be available at a later date. For more information, visit the event page from the Heart Failure Society of America.

American Heart Association Scientific Sessions: November 13 to 15, 2021

This annual conference is the most important meeting of the American Heart Association, and features presentations of original research related to heart health. The 2021 conference will take place in Boston. For more information, visit the event page from the American Heart Association. Here are web pages where you can learn more about volunteering, advocacy, or fundraising opportunities with these groups: American Heart Association Volunteer With the American Heart Association WomenHeart Get Involved Mended Hearts Volunteer, Advocacy Heart Rhythm Society Volunteer with HRS Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association Get Involved, Fundraising Opportunities Add an image or infographic to social media posts. Here are links to images and other media that heart health organizations offer for social media:

American Heart Month Social Media ResourcesNational Wear Red Day Social Media ResourcesWorld Heart Day Resources, Create Your Own Poster

Use hashtags. The following hashtags can be used when discussing different aspects of heart health on social media:

American Heart Month #OurHeartsNational Wear Red Day #WearRedDayHeart Failure Awareness Week #HFWeek2021Congenital Heart Defects #CHD, #CHDAware, #RememberOurHearts, #1in110

American Heart Association Support Network This wide-ranging online community has areas to connect with people with a similar medical condition, stories and videos featuring people with heart conditions, Q&As with healthcare providers, and a blog that features both profiles of people and news items. WomenHeart HeartSisters Online WomenHeart offers two different monthly online virtual meetings, which let you talk in real time to other women with heart disease. One is for general heart disease discussion, while the other has a special focus on atrial fibrillation. Mended Hearts This online community has different groups or forums to discuss heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke, heart failure, and other heart disease. American Heart Association Clinical Research Studies American College of Cardiology Clinical Trial Finder CenterWatch Heart Disease Clinical Trials Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association Current Research Trials