Today, , marks National Wear Red Day, an annual awareness campaign spearheaded by the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of American Heart Month. The initiative aims to highlight the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) – the leading cause of death for both men and women – and to address the unique challenges women face in recognizing and preventing heart disease and stroke.
The Go Red for Women movement, launched in , arose from a critical need to focus attention on heart disease in women. Historically, cardiovascular research and clinical trials have underrepresented women, leading to gaps in understanding how heart disease manifests and progresses differently in female patients. According to the AHA, women account for more than half of deaths due to high blood pressure and stroke, despite this underrepresentation in research.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias. Nearly 45% of women aged 20 and older in the United States are currently living with some form of CVD. This underscores the widespread impact of the disease and the importance of proactive prevention and early detection.
Healthcare professionals are actively participating in raising awareness. At Northern Light Health care centers, employees demonstrated their support by wearing red and distributing educational materials to both staff and patients. “It’s so important for us as a healthcare system to connect with the community and be that source of information,” explains Ava Collins, President of Northern Light Health Eastern Maine Medical Center. “We want to educate, we want people to be aware, we want people to see their physicians, we want them to take their health seriously, and that’s part of our job. Our mission is to improve the health of the people in the community we serve. And part of that mission is for us to reach out to the community and make sure they’re educated.”
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a cardiac event is crucial, particularly as these can differ between men and women. While chest discomfort is a common symptom, women may be more likely to experience shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, unusual fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, dizziness, or cold sweats. These symptoms can sometimes be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, leading to delays in seeking medical attention.
Stroke, another significant cardiovascular threat, also presents with distinct symptoms. The AHA recommends remembering the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm numbness or weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Black women are at particularly high risk for stroke, with one in five experiencing a stroke during their lifetime.
Prevention remains the cornerstone of combating cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™ provides a framework for maintaining cardiovascular health throughout life. These essential measures include:
- Eat healthy: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Be active: Engage in regular physical activity.
- Quit tobacco: Avoid all forms of tobacco use.
- Get enough sleep: Prioritize adequate sleep.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index.
- Control cholesterol: Manage cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication.
- Manage blood sugar: Keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
- Know your blood pressure: Regularly monitor and manage blood pressure.
Collins emphasizes the importance of knowing your risk factors and family history, understanding your “numbers” – such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels – and recognizing how lifestyle choices impact your cardiovascular health. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for assessing individual risk and developing a personalized prevention plan.
The Go Red for Women campaign extends beyond simply wearing red. It encourages open conversations about heart health, empowers women to take control of their well-being, and advocates for increased research and improved clinical care for women with cardiovascular disease. The 2026 Red Dress Collection Concert, held on in New York City, exemplified this commitment, combining music and fashion to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
the AHA is actively highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health even before birth, with the Life’s Essential 8™ for Pregnancy initiative. A mother’s cardiovascular health can significantly influence the health of her baby, emphasizing the need for optimal health throughout all stages of a woman’s life.
Stories like that of Emilee Sparks, an 18-year-old who survived sudden cardiac arrest and received a heart transplant, serve as powerful reminders of the impact of heart disease and the importance of early intervention and support. Her journey inspires other young women facing similar challenges.
National Wear Red Day serves as a visible symbol of solidarity and a call to action. By raising awareness, promoting education, and advocating for research, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign continues to make strides in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of women.
