Join the Fight

Go Red advocates share why this heart health campaign is important.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women. It claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. Losing one woman to cardiovascular disease is one too many. That’s why American Heart Month and Go Red for Women are critical.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative and is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of all women.

Women experience unique stages through their lives which affect both overall health and cardiovascular health. Unique risk factors specific to women are:

• Pregnancy — Pregnancy can lead to cardiovascular conditions (including peripartum cardiomyopathy, stroke, heart attack) as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes) that can increase a woman’s risk for CVD later in life. Therefore, it’s vital that women are healthy before, during and after their pregnancy, both for themselves and their baby.

• Menopause — While menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, a woman’s CVD risk is higher following menopause, making it vital for women to take charge of their health in the years leading up to and during menopause.

Women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women. Yet younger generations of women — Gen Z and Millennials — are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. That’s why it’s important for all women to get their heart in the game by taking charge of their heart health and encouraging others to do the same.

Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes, which is why this year’s theme, “Get Your Heart in the Game” is so critical. Throughout February, American Heart Month, I encourage you to take action, and advocate for your health.

VALERIE HILLOW GATES Executive Director and Market Vice President American Heart Association

2023 Go Red for Women CO-CHAIRS

Be the One in Your Family to Learn CPR Today. #HeartMonth

We’re asking women to keep the rhythm going by learning the lifesaving skill of CPR. This aligns with the theme of the 2023 Go Red for Women® Experience, Get your Heart in the Game. It offers more ways for you to keep your hearts pumping and be the beat for the things that matter most to you and your family!

Good health is a journey, not a destination.

Wherever you are, you can take small actions that can make a big difference and have lasting health benefits.

#ClevelandGoesRed heart.org/clevelandgored