National Wear Red Day® calls attention to No. 1 health threat for women

Despite the devasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer of women in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s newly released 2021 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics.[1] Heart disease kills one woman approximately every 80 seconds, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined, and cardiac events are on the rise in young women in their 20s.[2] At the same time, recent market research has indicated that the youngest, most diverse groups of women are the least aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.[3] The American Heart Association, the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, is calling on women to spread awareness on National Wear Red Day®, February 5, 2021, that 1 in 3 women are dying from cardiovascular disease. Women (and men) are encouraged to “wear red and give” as part of the American Heart Association’s signature movement, Go Red for Women®, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and supported by Big Lots. “We’re now seeing cardiovascular disease affecting younger women, and women from Black and Hispanic communities are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke,” said Mitch Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAN, president of the American Heart Association and professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City. “Now, more than ever, we need to ensure all women have access to education about heart attack and stroke warning signs, as well as proper diagnoses and treatment when they present with symptoms – regardless of their age or background. Losing even one woman to heart disease or stroke is a tragedy.” The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement encourages people to take action through the month of February by:

• Wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. The iconic Red Dress pin and other apparel are available at ShopHeart.org.
• Making a donation to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association at WearRedDay.org. Big Lots Foundation will match online donations on National Wear Red Day, up to $333,333.
• Visiting CVS Health and making a donation at the register until March 6. Donations can also be made online at www.CVSHealth.com/GoRed.
• Signing up to participate in the lifesaving Research Goes Red initiative, a joint collaboration between the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Verily’s Project Baseline.
• Joining the conversation by using #GoRedJXN on social media.

Learn more at GoRedforWomen.org. ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800- AHA-USA1. About Go Red for Women The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 17 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).