Every February, we are invited to pause and reflect on the health of our hearts. Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month in a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), the associated risk factors for disease development, and promoting heart healthy behaviors. While it might be tempting to think that we have ‘heard it all before,’ as of 2025, CVD remains the leading cause of death in the United States, ahead of cancer and all accidents combined. After decades of steady improvement in reducing disease development and mortality, progress appears to have begun to reverse and stall over the last decade. The conversation around heart health, even in 2026, matters more now than ever.