February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on one of the most important and hardest-working organs in your body. Your heart beats more than 100,000 times a day, quietly supporting everything you do, from morning meetings to evening walks and weekends with loved ones.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that many heart conditions are preventable. Small, consistent habits paired with access to high-quality care can make a powerful difference.
At The Whole U, we’re proud to support heart health not only through everyday wellness resources, but also by spotlighting the incredible work happening right here at UW.
Why heart health matters
Your cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, fueling your brain, muscles and immune system. Over time, factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic stress, poor sleep and inactivity can increase strain on the heart often without obvious symptoms.
That’s why prevention, early awareness and access to expert care all matter. And it’s also why we’re proud to partner with the UW Medicine Heart Institute, a national leader in cardiovascular care, research and innovation.
Heart healthy habits to try this month
Move your body regularly
Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate movement most days. Walking, cycling, swimming, strength training, dancing or even stretching breaks during the workday all count. Find movement you enjoy, consistency matters more than intensity.
- The Whole U’s Tuesday and Thursday weight training class
- The Whole U’s daily moving break
- Our educational hub for Being Active, find resources and expert guidance
Eat with your heart in mind
Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Reducing excess sodium and highly processed foods can support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- The Whole U’s Eating Well YouTube library
- Our educational hub for Eating Well, find resources and expert guidance
Know your numbers
Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels can quietly impact heart health. Routine checkups and screenings help catch potential concerns early.
Prioritize sleep and stress care
Chronic stress and poor sleep are closely linked to heart health. Mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, social connection and consistent sleep routines all support a healthier heart.
Avoid tobacco and nicotine
Smoking and vaping significantly increase heart disease risk. Quitting, or never starting, is one of the most impactful heart-healthy choices you can make.
A few reasons we’re proud of the UW Medicine Heart Institute
Heart Health Month is also a moment to celebrate the people and systems advancing heart care every day. The UW Medicine Heart Institute has helped shape cardiovascular care locally and nationally for decades. Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements!
A legacy of innovation
UW cardiology helped define how the world evaluates heart health through the Bruce Protocol, a cardiac stress test still used globally today.
A national model for cardiac arrest survival
Thanks in part to UW Medicine leadership and research, King County has one of the highest out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in the country. This is the result of decades of coordination across emergency responders, hospitals and clinicians.
Leaders in minimally invasive heart care
The Heart Institute has pioneered catheter-based and minimally invasive heart procedures, helping many patients avoid open-heart surgery and recover more quickly.
Research and care together
By integrating researchers, cardiologists, surgeons and rehabilitation specialists, discoveries move faster from the lab into real-world patient care.
Prevention matters here
Advanced treatment is only part of the story. The Heart Institute also emphasizes preventive cardiology, lifestyle support and long-term heart health reinforcing that everyday habits truly matter.
Watch an educational webinar from the UW Medicine Heart Institute
This Heart Health Month, show your heart a little love.
Whether it’s a lunchtime walk, a stress-relieving pause or a heart-healthy meal, small acts of care add up. We’re grateful to our partners at the UW Medicine Heart Institute who help keep hearts strong, in February and every day.