Women are strong. Women are smart. Women solve problems. Women can do anything men can do. And, there are some things we’re even better at – dying of heart disease and stroke. Like breaking barriers? Go Red! And help break the one against heart disease.

It’s not just a man’s disease. Each year, 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke. But we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.

When it comes to beating heart disease and stroke, change can be the cure. To save lives and raise awareness of this serious issue, the American Heart Association launched Go Red For Women. And the red dress has become the iconic symbol of our battle against heart disease and stroke in women.

National Wear Red Day^® — the first Friday each February — is our special day to bring attention to this staggering fact. We encourage everyone to wear red, raise their voices, know their cardiovascular risk and take action to live longer, healthier lives.

A Decade of Success

Since the first National Wear Red Day in 2003, we’ve made tremendous strides in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women. Through research and education to healthy lifestyle changes, we’re proud that:

• Nearly 90% have made at least one healthy behavior change.
• More than one-third has lost weight.
• More than 50% have increased their exercise.
• 6 out of 10 have changed their diets.
• More than 40% have checked their cholesterol levels.
• One third has talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.
• Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day
• Death in women has decreased by more than 30 percent over the past 10 years.

More Work is Crucial

Yet, with all these successes, 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year,. But what’s more powerful? Millions of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends making a change.

More than ever, your financial contributions help save women’s lives. Funds raised by Go Red support educational programs to increase women’s awareness about their risk for heart disease and stroke as well as critical research to discover scientific knowledge about cardiovascular health.

We deeply appreciate all of your support. We wouldn’t be where we are without you. But we have more to accomplish.

Get involved. Go Red by telling other women that 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke, yet it is 80% preventable. Make a change.