American Heart Month, observed in February and sponored by the American Heart Association, is a time to increase awareness of heart disease. Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack. One can greatly reduce the risk of coronary artery disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

American Heart Month has been celebrated in February and sponsored by the American Heart Association as a way to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease. Since 2004, February also has been the signature month for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign and the message that heart disease is not only a man’s problem, but a woman’s problem, too.