Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. This health threat often goes unrecognized by women, leading to a dangerous gap in awareness and prevention. Recognizing this disparity, health organizations have initiated public health campaigns to educate women about their specific risks. These movements aim to shift the perception of heart disease away from being primarily a male issue and toward a universal concern requiring immediate attention and action.
Identifying National Wear Red Day
The specific day dedicated to raising awareness for women’s heart health in the United States is National Wear Red Day. This event takes place annually on the first Friday in February, marking the start of American Heart Month. The movement is supported by the American Heart Association (AHA) and its signature initiative, the Go Red for Women campaign. By encouraging the public to wear red, the day serves as a visual reminder of the danger heart disease poses to women. This national observance brings the conversation about women’s heart health into the national spotlight.
The Mission Behind the Go Red Campaign
The Go Red for Women campaign was launched in 2004 by the American Heart Association. At the time, women and the medical community often dismissed heart disease as a concern primarily affecting older men, which hampered research and public health efforts. The campaign’s objective is to dispel this misconception and empower women to take charge of their well-being by understanding their personal risk factors.
The movement focuses on education, advocacy, and funding research that addresses the unique aspects of women’s cardiovascular health. Since its inception, the campaign has increased awareness that heart disease is a major health threat. Through educational programs, the initiative has provided millions of women with tools to assess and reduce their risk. This effort aims to reduce mortality and improve heart health outcomes by encouraging lifestyle changes and regular screenings.
Unique Cardiovascular Risks for Women
The development and presentation of cardiovascular disease in women often differ significantly from men due to biological and hormonal factors. Women are more likely to experience heart attack symptoms that are not the classic crushing chest pain, often leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Symptoms may manifest as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the jaw, neck, back, or upper abdomen. Women are also more susceptible to “silent” heart attacks, which occur without noticeable symptoms.
Hormonal changes introduce specific risk factors, particularly the decline in estrogen levels after menopause. Estrogen offers a protective effect on blood vessels, and its reduction increases the risk for small vessel disease, also known as coronary microvascular disease. This condition involves blockages in the heart’s smaller arteries, which are difficult to detect with standard diagnostic tests. Pregnancy-related complications can also serve as early indicators of future heart risk.
Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes significantly increase a woman’s long-term risk of developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes, both major contributors to heart disease. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is also associated with an elevated risk due to its link with abdominal obesity and abnormal glucose control. These unique risk factors underscore why general cardiovascular guidelines may not fully capture the complexity of heart disease in women.
Actionable Steps for Personal Heart Health
Taking personal action to improve heart health involves lifestyle modifications and consistent medical monitoring. Regular physical activity is a foundational step, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This helps manage weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular function. Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly reduce risk by limiting saturated fats, added sugars, and excessive sodium.
Preventative screenings allow for the early detection and management of risk factors. Women should work with their healthcare providers to know and manage five key health metrics:
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years, and blood sugar levels measured regularly, especially after age 45. Women should also discuss their full medical history, including any pregnancy-related complications, with their physician.