In addition to Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The month-long observance aims to raise awareness of how to prevent cardiovascular disease through healthy lifestyle changes, including a nutritious diet, managing blood pressure and stress, and staying active daily.
Unfortunately, Black people are disproportionately affected by heart disease, with a 30% higher likelihood of death from heart-related issues compared to other communities. Data shows that over 100,000 deaths occur annually, with about 60% of Black adults living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, we experience high rates of hypertension affecting nearly 58% of adults, diabetes, and obesity, which drive these disparities.
Practicing active heart health is more than cardio and kale—it’s about a lifestyle that protects your body and mind year-round. In 2026, wellness is shifting from reactive to preventative, emphasizing stress management, sleep, nutrition, and emotional well-being as critical tools for cardiovascular care.
Here are several ways to care deeply for your heart.
Switch Up Your Diet
Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber (such as the Mediterranean diet), and limit smoking and alcohol consumption. The Mediterranean diet is rich in monounsaturated fats (from olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats (from nuts, seeds, and fish), which help increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. It also reduces inflammation, as you’re consuming a high intake of fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats, which are key contributors to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
High fiber content from vegetables, fruits, and legumes, along with low sodium intake (using herbs/spices instead), supports healthy blood pressure. The diet also helps with weight management and metabolism.
Increase Your Sleep
Busy schedules, obligations, and burnout usually keep us from getting a good night’s rest, and inadequate sleep takes a toll on our heart health, too. According to the American Heart Association, adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night to maintain optimal heart health. Receiving quality sleep helps regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Manage Your Stress Levels Through Mindfulness
In addition to using exercise to keep your stress levels down, you can incorporate holistic wellness practices such as meditation, guided sound baths, and yoga to regulate your nervous system and invite calm and peace into your daily life.
Visit the Doctor Regularly
Annual checkups are critical for evaluating heart health, managing risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and detecting potential issues early. You should also schedule blood tests to assess your heart health, even if you have no visible symptoms, to detect problems such as high cholesterol and inflammation early.