Go Red for Women on February 7th: Understanding Heart Health for Women
Every February, the American Heart Association (AHA) kicks off Heart Month by dedicating the first Friday to women’s heart health with Go Red for Women’s Day. The Go Red for Women initiative raises awareness about heart disease in women, the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) 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 is critical for their health and well-being. Women, who typically develop CVD several years later than men, are largely unaware of their risk for heart disease. Understanding the unique symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies for heart disease in women is key to turning the tide on this often-silent killer.
Women’s Heart Health is Different
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, but it doesn’t always present the same way in women as it does in men. While chest pain is a hallmark symptom of heart attacks in men, women often experience more subtle signs leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Some of the less-recognized symptoms may include:
· Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Pain in the back, neck, or jaw
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Additionally, although many risk factors for heart disease are shared between men and women, certain conditions and life stages are unique to women and put them at higher risk:
Pregnancy Complications: Conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease later in life.
Menopause: The drop in estrogen levels after menopause can lead to changes in blood vessel function and cholesterol levels, heightening the risk of heart disease.
Autoimmune Diseases: Disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are more common in women, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Depression and Stress: Women are more likely to experience these conditions, which can negatively impact heart health through hormonal and behavioral changes.
Insights from the McKinsey Health Institute
The McKinsey Health Institute’s 2024 report, The State of US Women’s Heart Health, underscores the urgency of addressing cardiovascular disease in women. According to the report, nearly one in three women in the United States is affected by heart disease, yet significant disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes persist. These disparities present opportunities to close the heart health gap.
According to the paper, one of the main contributors to this gap is a limited understanding of the biological differences between women and men, explicitly surrounding how CVD manifests itself in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Similarly, cardiovascular research and clinical studies often underrepresent women, resulting in subpar treatment outcomes. A lack of scientific knowledge exacerbates this disparity, with limited gender-specific medical training and little investment in specific research and venture funding. According to the most recent data, only 1% of healthcare research and innovation was invested in female-specific conditions outside of oncology.
Addressing this gap could increase at least 1.6 million years of quality of life and boost the U.S. economy by $28 billion annually by 2040. The report identifies five pathways to begin to narrow the gap, including:
Advancing sex-specific research: Research can substantially improve by shifting from a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to prioritizing sex-specific differences.
Improving routine health data collection & treatment algorithms: Effective guidelines rely on comprehensive data representing women across all age groups, races and ethnicities, and health conditions. Collecting women-specific data should become routine in a standardized, easily digestible format.
Equipping healthcare providers across the care continuum: Healthcare providers across the spectrum should view women's cardiovascular health as a shared responsibility.
Raising public awareness and tailoring prevention strategies across all life stages: Public education campaigns continue to play a valuable role and culturally sensitive, accessible materials that raise awareness about risk factors, prevention strategies, and resources tailored to those at risk need to be developed.
Investing in businesses and initiatives that further women's heart health could benefit patients, society, and investors. Businesses can significantly impact women's lives by addressing the unmet needs in women's heart health and potentially tap into a large, underserved market.
Women and Bystander CPR: Addressing the Disparity
While raising awareness about heart health is vital, it’s equally important to address barriers to life-saving interventions, such as bystander CPR. Studies show that women experiencing cardiac arrest are less likely than men to receive CPR from a bystander. This disparity contributes to worse outcomes for women and highlights the need for targeted action to overcome these challenges.
A number of factors may explain why women receive CPR at a lower rate than men. Women who experience cardiac arrest tend to be older and are more likely to live alone, reducing the likelihood of someone being present to perform CPR. Additionally, research indicates that bystanders are often hesitant to perform CPR on women due to:
Fear of being accused of inappropriate touching or exposure
Concern about causing physical injury
Poor recognition of cardiac arrest in women, including the perception that women are less likely to have heart problems
The misconception that breasts make CPR more challenging
These misconceptions and fears can lead to hesitation, costing valuable time during emergencies. However, it’s important to note that the likelihood of causing significant injury from CPR is low, and legal action against a bystander is rare, thanks to Good Samaritan laws that offer protections in all 50 states.
To address the gender-related barriers to bystander CPR, the American Heart Association is working to raise awareness and improve training. Initiatives like Go Red for Women not only shine a light on the issue but also aim to dispel myths about performing CPR on women.
A key component of this effort is representation. Updated AHA training materials and informational videos are designed to better include women and address gender-specific concerns. As an AHA-certified Training Center, ACLS Academy is taking proactive steps to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to perform CPR on women. One such initiative includes the purchase of a female anatomical mannequin, which allows trainees to practice chest compressions in a way that closely mimics real-life scenarios. This hands-on approach ensures that participants feel adequately prepared to administer CPR, regardless of the patient’s gender.
Steps Women Can Take to Protect Their Hearts
The good news is that heart disease is often preventable. Women can significantly reduce their risk by adopting healthy habits and staying proactive about heart health. Here are some key strategies:
Know your numbers: To identify potential problems early, regularly monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI).
Prioritize physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise. Activities like walking, swimming, or dancing can improve cardiovascular fitness.
Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit sodium added sugars, and trans fats.
Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup, significantly increasing heart disease risk.
Manage stress: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other stress-relief techniques to support overall heart health.
Go Red for Women Day: A Call to Action
This February 7th, the AHA invites everyone to wear red as a show of support for women’s heart health. Beyond donning red attire, consider taking action in the following ways:
Spread Awareness: Share educational resources on social media to inform others about the importance of heart health in women.
Attend a Local Event: Many communities host Go Red for Women activities like health screenings and fitness classes.
Support Research: Donate to organizations like the American Heart Association to fund research and advocacy efforts aimed at improving outcomes for women.
Encourage Screening: Remind the women in your life to schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare providers.
At ACLS Academy, we’re proud to support Heart Month and Go Red for Women’s Day. Our advanced life support courses empower healthcare professionals and community members to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Whether it’s learning CPR or understanding the proper use of an AED, these skills can make a life-saving difference.
In honor of Go Red for Women’s Day, ACLS Academy encourages everyone to prioritize their heart health and advocate for the well-being of the women in their lives. Together, we can create a future where heart disease is no longer the leading cause of death for women.
Heart health is more than a medical issue; it’s a call to action for women to recognize their worth and invest in their well-being. This February, let’s turn awareness into action. By educating ourselves, supporting one another, and making heart-healthy choices, we can honor Go Red for Women’s Day and help build a healthier, stronger community for all.
For more information on heart health and life support training, visit ACLS Academy’s website or contact us to learn about our upcoming courses. Let’s Go Red and make a difference together!
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)- Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS- EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.