American Heart Association Outlines Four Key Actions for Women's Cardiovascular Health on National Wear Red Day 2026

Nearly half of women in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease, a figure expected to grow, making it their number one killer. To combat this, the American Heart Association, through its Go Red for Women movement sponsored by CVS Health, urges action during American Heart Month with four specific initiatives tied to National Wear Red Day on February 6, 2026. The first action is to wear red and spread awareness on social media using designated hashtags, with resources available at WearRedDay.org and apparel at ShopHeart.org.

The second crucial step is for women to know their key health numbers: total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. Managing these metrics with a healthcare provider can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Third, the association calls on women to join its Research Goes Red initiative. Cardiovascular disease claims more women's lives annually than all cancers combined, yet most clinical studies lack women-specific data. By participating, women can contribute to surveys and studies to advance research and improve healthcare outcomes.

The fourth action involves celebrating survivors and communities that champion women's health. Twelve survivors representing the Go Red for Women movement in 2026 will share their stories to inspire and educate, with their experiences detailed at goredforwomen.org/survivors. Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., volunteer president of the American Heart Association, emphasized that National Wear Red Day serves as a powerful reminder that collective action can change the future of women's health by ensuring access to knowledge and resources. Additional information and lifelong support resources are available at GoRedforWomen.org.