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Raising Awareness for Heart Month 2026
Posted on 18th February 2026
What Is Heart Month 2026?
Heart Month is a campaign by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise money and awareness. For over 60 years The British Heart Foundation has been at the forefront of pioneering research to help people live well for longer, a vision that Helping Hands can identify with. We have also spent decades supporting people to live as well as possible with the people they love, in the home they wish to remain living in.
Early Warning Signs of Heart Problems
Chest Pain
You could feel like extremely unwell with heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest.
Stomach pain
A burning or pain in your stomach or chest can be a sign of a heart attack.
Arm, jaw or back pain
Pain can spread to other parts of your body, such as your arms or neck.
Swollen ankles
Your heart may not be pumping blood around your body properly which collects in your lower limbs.
Extreme fatigue
If your lifestyle has not changed and you’re extremely tired it may be a warning sign.
Palpitations
If your heart is going very fast and jumping erratically you shouldn’t ignore it.
Key Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore
High Blood Pressure
Around 50% of strokes and heart attacks are linked to high blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
Too much of this fatty substance in your blood can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
Obesity
Being overweight is a big risk factor, especially if you carry excessive weight around your middle.
Diabetes
The damage caused to blood vessels by diabetes can cause a heart attack or stroke.
How to Get Involved in Heart Month 2026
Choose an activity
You can do anything you like to raise money. Find ideas here.
Sign up to fundraise
BHF will send tips and hints sent directly to your inbox.
Spread the word
Set up a JustGiving page so that friends and family can donate.
Community Events and Fundraising Ideas
Whether you choose to dress in red and get sponsored, or invite family and friends round for a quiz night, there are so many ways that vital funds can be raised. Perhaps you and your Helping Hands carer could bake cakes and put on a coffee morning in yours or a loved ones home?
Fundraising means that even more money can be put into research projects that benefit heart health. The BHF says “Whatever you do to raise money, together we can power research that supports people to live longer, healthier lives.”
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Start Today
- Eat a balanced diet
- Lose weight
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Reduce stress
- Physical inactivity
Supporting Heart Health at Home With Helping Hands
Our carers can help you live as well as possible with any kind of heart condition. When you need additional help at home with your daily routine, talk to us about visiting or live-in care.
You may only need us for an hour or two a week, or perhaps you’d like someone living in around the clock; whichever part of your life you need an extra pair of hands for, you can rely on the UK’s most trusted home care provider.
Sarah Franklin
About Sarah Franklin
Sarah joined Helping Hands in November 2016, working initially as a member of the Training and Development team due to her qualification in post-16 teaching. She has since moved into the Marketing team as a content writer, where she enjoys writing creatively for search and customer information.
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