Presidential Documents

8537 

Federal Register 

Vol. 86, No. 24 

Monday, February 8, 2021 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 10145 of February 3, 2021 

American Heart Month, 2021 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Tragically, heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the 

United States. It affects Americans of all genders, races, and ethnicities. 

Yet despite being one of the country’s most costly and deadly diseases, 

it is among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, we recommit to fighting this disease by promoting better health, wellness, and prevention awareness in our communities. 

Heart disease can impact anyone, but risk factors such as high cholesterol, 

high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol 

abuse can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. By adopting 

a few healthy habits, each of us can reduce our risk. Avoiding tobacco, 

moderating alcohol consumption, making balanced and nutritious meal 

choices, and staying active can help prevent or treat conditions that lead 

to heart disease. Adults with heart conditions are also at increased risk 

of severe illness from COVID–19, which makes it even more important 

to follow these suggestions. 

We have seen the death rate from heart attacks rise dramatically during 

the COVID–19 pandemic because people are delaying or not seeking care 

after experiencing symptoms. It is important not to ignore early warning 

signs like chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness. 

And the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and women, 

an often-overlooked fact that can impact when people seek care. For more 

resources and information, follow your health care provider’s advice or 

visit www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease. 

My Administration is committed to supporting Americans in their efforts 

to achieve heart health. Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurance 

plans cover preventive services like blood pressure and obesity screening 

at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. By protecting and expanding access 

to quality, affordable health care, we will work tirelessly to provide all 

Americans with the care they need to prevent and treat heart disease. 

We are also committed to closing the racial disparities in cardiovascular 

health. Despite an overall decline in death rates for heart disease, risk 

of heart disease death differs by race and ethnicity, and Black Americans 

continue to have the highest death rate for heart disease. Increased awareness 

and access to care will help reduce these staggering and unacceptable statistics. 

This month, we also honor the health care professionals, researchers, and 

heart health advocates who save our fellow Americans’ lives with their 

hard work. Every day, they put themselves on the front lines of our fight 

against heart disease, as well as the scourge of COVID–19. 

The First Lady and I encourage everyone to participate in National Wear 

Red Day on Friday, February 5th. By wearing red, we honor those we 

have lost to heart disease, and we raise awareness of the steps we can 

all take to prevent this devastating disease. Combatting heart disease is 

essential to improving public health in our Nation, and together we will 


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8538 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 24 / Monday, February 8, 2021 / Presidential Documents 

renew our efforts to make all Americans aware of its signs and symptoms. 

This month, we recommit to building a healthier future for all. 

In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 

1963, as amended (36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue 

an annual proclamation designating February as ‘‘American Heart Month.’’ 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as American Heart Month, 

and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 

February 5, 2021. I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth 

of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the 

United States, and the American people to join me in recognizing and 

reaffirming our commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 

February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortyfifth. 

[FR Doc. 2021–02675 

Filed 2–5–21; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F1–P 


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