In honor of Friday Five – American Heart Month, this post highlights practical ways to protect your heart—through learning lifesaving CPR, exploring where to find the nation’s top hospitals for heart surgery, and understanding why millions of people remain unaware of serious heart risks that don’t actually start in the heart. Guided by trusted information from the American Heart Association, CPR training resources from the American Red Cross, and national hospital rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, we’re sharing five timely takeaways to help you and your family stay heart-healthy and informed.
American Heart Month Communications Toolkit
February is American Heart Month, a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. This toolkit contains facts and resources that anyone can use to raise awareness about the risks of heart disease and the importance of identifying and managing heart-related health conditions.
Heartful Unity
The American Heart Association is Changing the Future of Health with Black communities by driving progress and supporting leaders shaping the next generation of equitable health. For Black History Month, the Association is addressing the biggest health challenges — Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), women’s health (hypertension), stroke, and cardiac arrest — and believes everyone can be a part of the progress — media, advocates, schools, and community organizations.
Millions are Unaware of Heart Risks that Don’t Start in the Heart
Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In addition, a consumer survey done last fall suggests that most people don’t realize that their heart, kidney and metabolic health (how the body creates, uses and stores energy) are connected. According to the American Heart Association’s new 2026 statistics update, almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults with diabetes are unaware they have it. In addition, Centers for Disease Control data report that as many as 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease do not know they have it.
Join the Nation of Lifesavers
Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital, with most happening at home. Sadly, only 10% survive. By giving someone CPR you can double or even triple their chances of survival. Be ready when it matters most. Learn CPR and become part of the Nation of Lifesavers™. Join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR Today.
Listening to @Harry_Styles‘ first hit while waiting impatiently for the album drop …
“Sign of the Times” has the right tempo for Hands-Only CPR. Learning two simple steps could help you save the life of someone you love.
If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911 and push… pic.twitter.com/HpNdc9p7Nf
— American Heart Association (@American_Heart) February 18, 2026
A Guide to Finding the Best Heart Care Near You
If you have a heart condition, choosing a hospital to perform heart surgery or other cardiac care is one of the most important – and nerve-wracking – medical decisions you will ever make. So, it’s not surprising that you’ll need some guidance for where to look. That’s why U.S. News & World Report releases its annual Best Hospitals for Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery in the country. These rankings are designed to help you make informed decisions about where to get top-tier care for patients with challenging heart and vascular conditions, including heart transplants, implantation of cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, major chest procedures and patients with cardiovascular disease and other complex conditions such as endocarditis, heart failure and circulatory issues.
ICYMI – Our other Friday Fives.
