On the first Friday of every February, which is designated as American Heart Month, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast to coast. From landmarks to news anchors and neighborhoods to online communities; this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.

American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved.

-The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
-The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.
-While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it’s important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders.

Go Red for Women®

Go Red for women® is the American Heart Association’s global initiative to end heart disease and stroke in women. Launched in 2004, Go Red quickly expanded into a worldwide movement dedicated to removing the barriers women face to achieving good health and well being.

Heart disease is he No. 1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Learn what it means to Go Red For Women to help women like you fight back: