American Heart Association: Go Red for Women movement highlights No. 1 killer of women

        Many people might be surprised to know that women are statistically less likely to receive lifesaving CPR than men.
        That’s one of the reasons cardiovascular disease continues to the number-one killer of women in the United States.
        February is American Heart Month – a time to renew attention to women’s heart health.
        Through its Go Red for Women® movement, the American Heart Association, which is devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, urges everyone take action throughout the month in support of moms, daughters and sisters everywhere.
        Cardiovascular disease claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. According to a 2022 American Heart Association Presidential Advisory, investing in and improving research, awareness and equity in women’s heart health are critical for the health and well-being of women.
        “Between home and work, women are usually holding up a lot of different things at once, and that doesn’t leave much time or energy for self-care,” said Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer president and the Walter A. Haas-Lucie Stern endowed chair in Cardiology, professor of medicine and admissions dean at University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine. “It’s very important that women carve out that time for their own physical and mental health and that they get support from their loved ones and communities to do so.”
        Here are some ways to “Go Red” with the American Heart Association this February:
        • Take the American Heart Association’s “Be The Beat” challenge for someone in every household or family to learn the two steps to perform Hands-Only CPR – call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. Learn about in just 90 seconds at heart.org. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
        • During American Heart Month, MinuteClinic® locations nationwide are offering no-cost heart health screenings. For a limited time in February, download a free heart health screening voucher at GoRedforWomen.org/HeartHealth and present it at your local MinuteClinic location to learn your numbers. CVS Health is a national sponsor of Go Red for Women.
        • Join Research Goes Red™. Historically, clinical studies haven’t included enough women, particularly women of color. Research Goes Red is a collaboration between the American Heart Association and Verily to raise awareness of the importance of heart health for women and to recruit participants for clinical research in order to improve health outcomes. Sign up at projectbaseline.com/gored.
        • Spread the word on social media throughout the month using #WearRedAndGive, #HeartMonth, #CPRwithHeart and #GoRedforWomen.
        • Find resources to support women’s heart heath at every age, through every stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org.
        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 the large majority 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 19 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. It challenges women 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, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).