American Heart Association

09/30/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2025 22:31

October features Hispanic Heritage Month and World Stroke Day, World Mental Health Day, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month and more

Search the Latest Heart, Brain and Advocacy News from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association here.


Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

World Restart a Heart Day October 16th

Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Differences

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're not the same. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating. A heart attack is a "circulation" problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an "electrical" problem.

Learn CPR | Spanish

According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) more than half of the time. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

The Association encourages everyone, everywhere to join in the Nation of Lifesavers initiative and make CPR awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across the country. Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life now at https://www.heart.org/nation.



copyright American Heart Association

World Stroke Day is October 29th

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

According to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of strokes are preventable.

Learn the Stroke Warning Signs F.A.S.T.

Face Drooping
Arm Weakness
Speech Difficulty
Time to call 911

National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15
The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association Spanish language stroke prevention website promotes R.Á.P.I.D.O., a culturally relevant Spanish acronym, to raise awareness of common stroke symptoms.

Transcripción Infográfica: Identifique un derrame cerebral R.Á.P.I.D.O.
  • R - Rostro caído​ (Face drooping)
  • Á - Alteración del equilibrio​ (Loss of Balance, or Lack of Coordination)
  • P - Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo​ (Arm weakness)
  • I - Impedimento visual repentino​ (Sudden vision difficulty)
  • D - Dificultad para hablar​ (Slurred or Strange Speech)
  • O - Obtener ayuda, llamar al 911 (Get help, call 911)

Tome medidas para prevenir el derrame cerebral ahora para poder estar presente más adelante. Obtenga más información en Stroke.org/Espanol.

Infographic information/text copyright American Heart Association

Mental Health Day is Oct. 10
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It's an opportunity to focus on managing issues
like stress that can impact your well-being, physically and mentally.
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Resources:
  • Mental Health and Well-Being Tips for the whole family to keep your mind and body fit.
  • Stress and Heart Health
  • Meditation and Mindfulness Videos
  • Self-Care Isn't Selfish Infographic

copyright American Heart Association

October is Health Literacy Month and National Health Education Week - Oct. 20-24

Life's Essential 8 are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

LE8 Health Behaviors and Health Factors

Health Behaviors: Eat Better
Health Behaviors: Be More Active
Health Behaviors: Quit Tobacco
Health Behaviors: Get Healthy Sleep
Health Factors: Manage Weight
Health Factors: Control Cholesterol
Health Factors: Manage Blood Sugar
Health Factors: Manage Blood Pressure

Flu Season Preparedness

Flu Prevention

COVID, flu and RSV: What to know about who should get vaccinated and when

National Preparedness Month - Hurricane season through Nov.

Be heart-smart to stay safe and healthy during and after natural disasters | Spanish news release

Disaster planning for older adults: What to know this hurricane and wildfire season(July 2024) | Disaster Resources page

copyright American Heart Association

October 6th - National Child Health Day

According to the American Heart Association, too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make for some hard lessons in poor heart health in the future.

Keep busy kids focused on heart health | Spanish news release

Kids Physical & Mental Health Infographic
25 Ways To Get Moving At Home
Dietary Recommendations for Health Children
3 Tips for Better Sleep Infographic
Together Tuesday
NFL Play 60

MORE OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

October 1-7 - National Walk Your Dog Week and October 29th - National Cat Day

Healthy Bond for Life™ - Our furry friends enrich our lives - at home, and at work. And pets are good for your health, too!
Having a pet may help you live a longer, healthier life! Pets can benefit your health in many different ways. They can help raise fitness levels. They can help lower stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Best of all, pets can boost people's overall happiness and well-being. We have the science to prove it!

October 6th - National Noodle Day | October 14th - 20th - National Baking Week | October 21st - National Apple Day

Heart Healthy recipes: Asian-Style Noodles with Pork & Veggies | Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies | Apple Walnut Cake

Healthy eating is about your habits over time, not just one meal. Over time, load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Choose healthy proteins like beans, nuts, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. Cook with heart-healthy oils like olive or canola, cut back on sugar and salt, keep alcohol to a minimum, and choose minimally processed foods whenever possible.

UPCOMING SCIENTIFIC MEETING

American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025, #AHA25 - November 7-10, 2025

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans<_o3a_p>

Resuscitation Science Symposium 2025
Nov. 8-9, 2025 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans

Media Registration is NOW OPEN

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American Heart Association published this content on September 30, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 01, 2025 at 04:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]