A Guide to Heart Month 2025

Heart Month 2025 is a vital campaign aimed at raising awareness of heart and circulatory diseases and promoting heart health. Organised by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), this annual event encourages individuals and communities across the UK to focus on heart health, participate in fundraising activities, and support lifesaving research. In this guide, we’ll explore why Heart Month is so important, key facts about heart health, and how you can get involved this February.

Key Takeaways:

Heart Month Raises Awareness:

Heart Month 2025, held in February, highlights the importance of heart health, raises funds for research, and encourages everyone to learn how to take care of their heart.

Small Steps Make a Big Difference:

Eating healthy, exercising, avoiding smoking, and learning CPR are simple ways to improve heart health and help others in emergencies.

Get Involved and "Go Red":

Support Heart Month by wearing red, organising fundraising events, or donating to charities like the British Heart Foundation to help fight heart disease and save lives.

Why is the Heart a Vital Organ?

The heart plays a crucial role in keeping our bodies alive and functioning properly. It is the engine of the circulatory system, pumping blood throughout the body with each heartbeat. This process:

• Delivers oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues.

• Removes carbon dioxide and waste products.

• Maintains overall health and balance in the body.

How Does a Healthy Heart Work?

According to The British Heart Foundation, the heart’s electrical system controls when it contracts and relaxes, creating a rhythmic pumping action that keeps blood flowing. Here’s how it works:

1. The heart pumps blood through arteries, veins, and capillaries.

2. Oxygen-rich blood is sent to organs and tissues.

3. Carbon dioxide and waste are transported away for removal.

4. The heart works in harmony with the circulatory system to maintain good health.

Video: How A Healthy Heart Works - British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation has summarised how a healthy heart works in the video below:

What Is Heart Month?

Heart Month is an annual campaign created by the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness of heart and circulatory diseases. It aims to:

• Encourage heart-healthy lifestyles.

• Promote education about heart health.

• Raise funds for groundbreaking research into heart conditions.

When Is Heart Month 2025?

Heart Month 2025 runs throughout February, with a special focus on “Go Red” initiatives to raise awareness and funds.

Theme for Heart Month 2025

The theme for this year is “Go Red”. This encourages individuals to:

• Wear red to raise awareness.

• Organise red-themed events such as healthy bake sales.

• Participate in sponsored challenges.

• Learn lifesaving CPR with tools like RevivR.

Key Facts About Heart Conditions in the UK

How Many Adults in the UK Have Heart Conditions?

Heart and circulatory diseases are responsible for 25% of all deaths in the UK, equating to 480 deaths every day. According to the British Heart Foundation, 7.6 million people in the UK live with heart or circulatory diseases:

• 4 million men.

• 3.6 million women.

How Many Children in the UK Have Heart Conditions?

Heart disease affects children as well. Each year in the UK:

• 1 in 133 babies is born with congenital heart disease (CHD), amounting to over 5,000 infants annually.

• An additional 500–1,000 children develop acquired heart defects after birth (Children’s Heart Foundation).

Are Heart Conditions More Common in Older People?

Yes, heart conditions are significantly more common among the elderly. Over 60% of non-STEMI heart attacks (a type of heart attack caused by partial blood flow blockages) occur in individuals aged 72 or older (British Heart Foundation).

Are Heart Conditions More Common in Men or Women?

• Men are more likely to develop heart conditions than women.

• However, women are at higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases (New Victoria Hospital; Möller-Leimkühler, 2007).

How Heart Research Has Changed Lives

Research into heart health has made significant progress in the UK:

• New medications, therapies, and surgical techniques have improved survival rates.

• Charities like the British Heart Foundation have contributed to major breakthroughs in treating and managing heart conditions.

• Case studies from organisations such as Heart Research UK highlight the transformative impact of ongoing research.

How to Take Part in Heart Month 2025

There are many ways to support Heart Month 2025 and raise awareness:

1. Participate in Fundraising Activities

• Organise a red-themed event, such as a bake sale or dress-down day.

• Set up a fundraising page with the British Heart Foundation.

2. Spread Awareness

• Share information about heart health on social media using the hashtag #HeartMonth.

• Talk to friends and family about the importance of heart health.

3. Learn CPR

• Take 15 minutes to learn CPR with tools like RevivR.

4. Donate

• Contribute to charities like the British Heart Foundation or Heart Research UK to support lifesaving research.

How Can You Improve Your Heart Health?

Heart health refers to the overall well-being of your heart and circulatory system. By adopting healthy habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Organisations like the Association of UK Dietitians and Heart Research UK recommend the following tips:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

   • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

   • Limit saturated fats, salt, and sugary foods.

2. Exercise Regularly

   • Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as walking or cycling.

3. Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

   • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of heart disease.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

   • Being overweight can strain the heart and lead to complications.

5. Monitor Your Heart Age

   • Use tools like the NHS Heart Age Calculator to assess your heart health and receive tailored advice.

Why Heart Month Matters?

Heart Month is more than an awareness campaign—it’s a call to action. With heart and circulatory diseases affecting millions of lives, February serves as a reminder to prioritise heart health, support research, and take steps to protect your loved ones. Whether through fundraising, sharing information, or making lifestyle changes, every contribution helps advance the fight against heart disease.

For more information on Heart Month 2025 and how you can get involved, visit the British Heart Foundation’s website. You can also set up a fundraising page with them, alongside the help of a local fundraising manger which you can find on their website. Let’s work together to make every heartbeat count!

Sources

• Heart Month - Get Involved - Heart UK

• Go Red - Fundraise for British Heart Foundation