19 Women's College Basketball Coaches Launch Collective to Combat Leading Killer of Women

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming more than 440,000 lives each year according to the American Heart Association. For the first time, 19 National Collegiate Athletic Association women's college basketball coaches are joining forces through the Hearts on the Court Collective to combat this health crisis. Led by Louisiana State University hall of fame head coach Kim Mulkey, this inaugural initiative aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease while empowering fans, peers, and student athletes to take control of their heart health.

Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the critical need for this initiative, stating that women are often misdiagnosed and undertreated for cardiovascular conditions. Major gaps exist in women's cardiovascular care, from low representation in clinical research to women being less likely to receive lifesaving bystander CPR. The American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women movement have worked for more than 20 years to empower women to listen to their bodies, seek care when something feels wrong, and advocate for the care they deserve.

Throughout the women's college basketball season, the Collective will launch public service announcements highlighting ways women can protect their heart health through Life's Essential 8™ for Women. These evidence-based recommendations include knowing key health numbers such as blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, embracing healthy eating, increasing physical activity, abstaining from tobacco use, and getting quality sleep. The initiative will also emphasize how unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect cardiovascular disease risk.

Coach Kim Mulkey, chair of the Hearts on the Court Collective, expressed personal commitment to the cause, noting that women need allies in fighting a disease that takes so much from them. She emphasized the importance of coming together to highlight prevention methods and champion women's health while empowering the next generation of female athletes and their loved ones to prioritize well-being. The Collective includes head coaches from prominent NCAA programs across the country, representing institutions such as University of Georgia, University of North Carolina, University of Oklahoma, University of Michigan, and University of Kentucky, among others.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one killer of all people in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. According to American Heart Association data, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable, yet nearly 45% of women over age 20 live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Alarmingly, only about half of women recognize that this represents their greatest health threat. The good news remains that most cardiovascular events can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and increased education.

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement continues to address awareness and clinical care gaps while meeting the needs of women throughout all life stages. As a trusted source for science-backed health solutions, the movement provides resources to support women's heart health at GoRedforWomen.org. This new collaboration with women's college basketball coaches represents a significant expansion of reach and impact in the ongoing battle against cardiovascular disease in women.