Amy Grant Advocates for Women's Heart Health in American Heart Association Campaign

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant is leveraging her personal experience with heart surgery to spotlight the urgent need for increased awareness and research funding for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. In collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), Grant is spearheading a year-end giving campaign and public service announcement to address the fact that CVD remains the number one killer of women in the United States.

Grant, who underwent open-heart surgery in 2020 to correct a rare condition her doctor described as a 'ticking time bomb,' emphasizes the critical role of AHA-funded research in saving lives. 'I'm honored to share my story and ask for people to come together, give generously to the American Heart Association and make heart health a priority,' Grant stated, underscoring the potential life-saving impact of donations.

The campaign comes at a crucial time, as recent statistics reveal that cardiovascular disease causes one in five women's deaths annually. Moreover, nearly 45% of women over 20 years old are living with some form of CVD. These alarming figures highlight the pressing need for targeted research and education efforts focused on women's heart health.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, reinforced the organization's commitment to addressing this health crisis. 'In our centennial year of lifesaving work, we continue to relentlessly pursue a world free from cardiovascular disease and stroke, so more people have a great outcome like Amy,' Brown said. The AHA's efforts include increasing focus on education and resources that address cardiovascular risks women face, particularly during unique life stages such as pregnancy and menopause.

One significant challenge in combating CVD in women is the historical underrepresentation of women in clinical trials. This gap has led to critical deficiencies in understanding how cardiovascular disease uniquely impacts women. The AHA is committed to bridging these gaps by investing in more inclusive research and developing stronger resources tailored to women's heart health needs.

The campaign also draws attention to the need for increased funding for research programs and initiatives. To maximize impact, the AHA has established donation matches for the giving season, allowing contributors to amplify their support through December 31. These donations will support initiatives aligned with the Association's 2028 Impact Goal, furthering efforts to combat heart disease and stroke through advanced research, education, and community programs.

As the AHA enters its second century of work, the organization emphasizes the importance of continued support to drive meaningful change in cardiovascular health across communities. The campaign not only aims to raise funds but also to educate the public about the specific cardiovascular risks women face and the importance of prioritizing heart health.

Grant's involvement in this campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the personal stories behind the statistics. Her experience highlights the life-saving potential of early detection and intervention, made possible through ongoing research and medical advancements supported by organizations like the AHA.

As the year-end giving season approaches, the AHA and Amy Grant are calling on individuals to consider the impact their donations can have on women's heart health. By supporting this campaign, donors have the opportunity to contribute to a future where fewer women are affected by cardiovascular disease, potentially saving countless lives in the process.