Healing Hearts Together: How Minnesota Can Take Action This American Heart Month

Every February, American Heart Month shines a light on the urgent need to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. At Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), we’re on a mission to improve the cardiovascular health of individuals and communities around the globe by advancing groundbreaking research and education, starting right here in Minnesota.

Why Heart Month Matters

• Heart disease continues to affect individuals and families in our communities, yet many risk factors—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and inactivity—are preventable with early action.
• American Heart Month is a moment to remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, and recommit to a future where fewer lives are cut short by cardiovascular disease.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health

This February, MHIF encourages Minnesotans to focus on simple, evidence-based steps that support a healthier heart at every age.

• Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, snowshoeing, or indoor cycling during Minnesota winters.
• Eat heart-smart: Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains, and prioritize lean proteins and healthy fats.
• Know your numbers: Schedule blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks and talk to your care team about your personal risk.
• Prioritize sleep and stress management: Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep and build in daily stress-relief habits like mindfulness, stretching, or a short winter walk.

Ways to Get Involved 

Support research and education

• Make a direct donation this Heart Month and honor a loved one or celebrate our dedicated physicians, researchers, and educators by making a gift to advance MHIF’s life-changing research. Together, we’re not just treating heart disease — we’re rewriting the future of heart health for generations to come.

Participate in local events

• From Basics to Breakthroughs: Heart Valve Health and Vitality – February 21

MHIF will host a special Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day gathering focused on education, stories, and practical tools for recognizing and managing valve disease. This event is a free interactive, engaging educational opportunity for community members, patients and family members of patients with valvular heart disease. All are welcome to join us at Dellwood Country Club in Dellwood, Minnesota.

• Aortic Ed Sessions & Survivor Recognition Dinner – Friday, February 13
• Rockin’ Hearts Party & Benefit Concert – Saturday, February 14

Rock from the Heart is again turning up the volume on aortic and heart valve disease awareness with a full weekend of education and music in Shakopee, Minnesota.

• Basecamp North Loop Studio hosting Pedal for a Cause – February 14 

In honor of Heart Health Awareness this month, we’re grateful to Basecamp Fitness for hosting a local fitness class with all proceeds benefitting MHIF! Basecamp Fitness will be hosting three instructor-led classes at their North Loop location at 8am, 9am and 10am with 30 bikes each. Expect a HIIT class that incorporates weight lifting and the air bike. Every mile biked during each class equals $1 donated to MHIF.

Show your support publicly

• Take part in national awareness moments like Wear Red Day by wearing red and sharing photos.
• Share your heart story or a loved one’s story on social media to inspire others to know their risk and take action.​

Join MHIF in Healing Hearts

This American Heart Month, MHIF hopes you feel inspired to stand with community—by learning your risk, modeling healthy habits, supporting innovative research, and spreading the word so more Minnesotans can live longer, healthier lives.