In 2003, research revealed that heart disease was by far the No. 1 killer of women, and actually 
killed more women than men. To save lives and raise awareness of this serious issue, the American Heart Association launched Go Red For Women. With this, the red dress has become the iconic symbol of America’s battle against heart disease in women.
On Friday, February 7, 2014, Southwester Michigan held it’s GO RED FOR WOMEN luncheon. See photos from the fun event at the link below! Plus watch the Social Sizzle during eightWest on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 11am for the full story.
>>>>PHOTOS: GO RED FOR WOMEN
National Wear Red Day — the first Friday each February is a special day to bring attention to this silent killer of women. Wear red, raise voices, know your cardiovascular risk and take action to live longer, healthier life.
A Decade of Success
Since the first National Wear Red Day in 2003, the American Heart Association has made tremendous strides in the fight against heart disease in women. Through research and education to healthy lifestyle changes:
34% fewer women now die from heart disease, saving 330 lives every day.
More women are taking ownership of their health by developing healthy lifestyles:
37% are losing weight
43% are checking their cholesterol
more than 50% exercise more
60% have improved their diets
33% have developed heart health plans with their doctor.
Awareness is up. 23% more Americans now realize heart disease is the #1 killer of women.
Awareness among minorities is up, doubling among Hispanic women and tripling among African American women.
15% have quit smoking, and high cholesterol has declined by 18%
More communities have joined the fight. Registration in Go Red For Women is now more than 1.75 million. More than 25 million Red Dress Pins have been worn to support the cause. More than 185 cities host GRFW events and luncheons. And more than 2,000 landmarks light up in red on National Wear Red Day.
Legislative efforts are making a difference. Women no longer pay higher premiums than men for health coverage. And 20 states have programs for low-income women to get screenings for heart disease and strokes through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN.
More gender-specific guidelines have been developed, because women’s symptoms and responses to medication differ from men’s.
Gender-specific medical research is up. The FDA now requires clinical trial results be reported by gender.
Gender-specific inequalities have been identified, ensuring women receive the same level of heart treatment as men.
More Work is Crucial
Yet, with all these successes, heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, killing almost 1,100 a day. But what’s more powerful than the killer? Millions of mothers, sisters, daughters and friends speaking up. Help save more lives. Get involved. Make a difference. GO RED! For more informaiton log onto www.GOREDFORWOMEN.org