This resolution designates February 2026 as American Heart Month to raise awareness, support research, and promote better care in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Richard Durbin
Senator
IL
This resolution officially designates February 2026 as American Heart Month to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the U.S. It highlights the significant impact of CVD, including high mortality rates and substantial economic costs. The resolution commits the U.S. to promoting awareness, supporting research, and improving access to quality care to combat this critical health issue.
Senate Resolution Designates February 2026 as American Heart Month: A Push for Cardiovascular Health and Research
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 919,000 lives in 2023 alone. This resolution officially designates February 2026 as American Heart Month, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1964. Beyond just a calendar designation, the resolution lays out a stark reality: heart disease and stroke now cause more deaths than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. It specifically targets the rising costs of these conditions, which are projected to hit $1 trillion by 2035, and aims to pivot the national focus toward prevention and research.
The High Cost of a Heartbeat
The resolution provides a deep dive into how heart health affects nearly every demographic, from infants to seniors. It highlights that congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects and that CVD is responsible for more than 1 in 10 pregnancy-related deaths. For the average worker, the impact is felt in the $417 billion lost annually to healthcare expenses and decreased productivity. By formalizing this month of awareness, the resolution seeks to improve access to affordable, quality care and supports research into long-term cardiovascular issues, including those potentially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prevention in the Real World
Instead of just listing medical jargon, the text focuses on actionable risk factors that hit home for busy people: poor sleep quality, physical inactivity, nicotine exposure, and high blood pressure. For someone juggling a 9-to-5 and family life, the resolution emphasizes that early detection and lifestyle modifications are the primary tools for lowering risk. It specifically commends the "National Wear Red Day" initiative and encourages every person to learn their personal risk factors. By aligning federal goals with the work of local nonprofits and businesses, the resolution aims to make heart health a conversation that happens at the doctor’s office and the dinner table alike.