Go Red for Women: a vital movement for heart health in Madison and beyond…
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming one in three women’s lives – more than all cancers combined. Yet many women still don’t recognize it as their greatest health threat.
Every February, women across the country, and right here in Madison, join the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement to raise awareness, promote prevention and inspire life-saving action.
Why Go Red for Women Matters
Many women still don’t recognize heart disease as their greatest health threat.
While national statistics may be broad, the reality holds true for women in Wisconsin and Madison, too. According to CDC data, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Wisconsin overall.
Locally, many women still underestimate their personal risk or ignore early warning signs, in part because heart disease symptoms can be more subtle in women than men. Research has also shown that women are more likely than men to be underdiagnosed and undertreated for cardiovascular disease, making awareness and education essential.
That’s where Go Red for Women steps in—with education tailored for women’s hearts and encouragement to take action at every life stage.
What the Go Red Movement Does
Go Red for Women is more than a campaign—it’s a community and movement that:
- Raises awareness that heart disease is women’s leading health threat.
- Educates women about unique risk factors, including pregnancy-related conditions, menopause, and stress.
- Promotes prevention through lifestyle and clinical guidance.
- Supports advocacy and research focused on women’s heart and brain health.
At the core of the movement is the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8—eight evidence-based health behaviors and factors that can help women reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.
For example, we all know we should be active (aim for 150 minutes of activity each week) and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. But we also need healthy sleep and focus on managing blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol.
Beyond Life’s Essential 8, here are practical ways to help you take care of your heart:
- Get annual exams with your doctor – especially if you’re 40 or older.
- Join group fitness activities like local walking clubs or yoga at community centers.
- Cook heart-healthy meals at home, using fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
- Learn Hands-Only CPR—a skill that can save lives in emergencies.
- Prioritize mental health—stress reduction is linked to better heart outcomes.
Go Red for Women isn’t just a campaign—it’s a call to women in Madison and beyond to prioritize their heart health and support one another. By learning your risk, taking preventive steps and leaning on community resources, you can change the story of heart disease for yourself and your loved ones.
Whether it’s wearing red on National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6, or scheduling an appointment with your doctor or simply sharing information with a friend, every action moves us closer to a healthier, more informed community.
Go Red for your heart. Go Red for your sisters, mothers, daughters and friends. Go Red for good.
Together, women are unstoppable. Take control of your heart health and join us for Go Red for Women on Feb. 13 at Monona Terrace. For more information, please visit Heart.org/MadisonGoRed.
