Heart Month 2026 is a February-long awareness and fundraising campaign led by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). It focuses on shining a spotlight on cardiovascular disease, supporting people affected by heart conditions, and raising money to fund lifesaving research.

Every 3 minutes, someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease. Whether it’s losing a loved one to cardiac arrest or coping with the devastating impact of heart failure, far too many of us have felt the pain that cardiovascular diseases cause.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet many heart-related conditions are preventable through lifestyle choices, early intervention and education. Heart Month provides an opportunity to pause, reflect and take meaningful steps toward better heart health.

Despite advances in medicine and technology, heart disease continues to affect people of all ages. Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, stress smoking, and unmanaged conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure all contribute to cardiovascular risk.

There is an increasing recognition that heart health is deeply connected to:

Physical activity levels

Regular movement helps keep the heart strong and efficient. Activities like walking, cycling, or even household chores improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and help maintain a healthy weight. Even small increases in daily activity — such as a 30-minute walk — can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Mental and emotional wellbeing

Stress, anxiety, and low mood can directly influence heart health. Chronic stress triggers hormonal changes that raise blood pressure and inflammation, while emotional strain can make healthy habits harder to maintain. Supporting mental wellbeing through relaxation, social connection, and stress-management techniques helps protect the cardiovascular system and improves overall quality of life.

Sleep quality

Good-quality sleep allows the body to repair and regulate essential systems, including the heart and blood vessels. Poor sleep — whether from insomnia, disrupted routines, or sleep disorders — is linked to higher risks of hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. Establishing consistent sleep patterns and creating a calming bedtime routine can make a meaningful difference.

Long-term management of chronic conditions

Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity place ongoing strain on the heart. Managing these through regular check-ups, medication where appropriate, and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent complications like heart attacks and strokes.

Early Intervention and Professional support

Regular health checks remain crucial. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar can identify risk factors early, allowing timely intervention.

From those recovering from cardiac events or living with long-term conditions, rehabilitation and guided exercise programmes are vital. Multidisciplinary healthcare teams help individual rebuild confidence, strength and independence whilst reducing the risk of future cardiac issues.

When cardiac healthcare falls below an acceptable standard, this can result in avoidable harm. Our Compensation Team regularly support individuals with cardiac issues who have suffered negligent care, as well as the bereaved families.

Heath Month 2026

During Heart Month, we can help by raising awareness of cardiovascular health and encouraging simple, sustainable lifestyle changes that support a healthy heart. This promotes regular physical activity healthy eating, stress management and the importance of routine health checks. By providing education, professional guidance, and supportive resources, healthcare providers and community organisations can empower individuals to understand their risk factors, make informed choices and take proactive steps towards long-term heart health.

How you can help

Walk for Hearts 2026 is a month-long challenge inviting people to walk 28, 50, or 100 miles throughout February to support the British Heart Foundation’s lifesaving research. It’s designed to be flexible and inclusive — you can take part anywhere, at your own pace, whether solo or with friends, family, or colleagues. Every mile contributes to raising awareness of heart and circulatory diseases and helps fund breakthroughs that save lives. For more information on Heart Month please visit www.bhf.org.uk where you can find information on heart health.