The nation will paint itself red this Friday, February 4th, in an effort to show support for the battle against women’s heart disease in particular. In conjunction with national sponsor Merck & Co., the American Heart Association Go Red For Women movement is leading the effort to build research channels and awareness of this disease that is the number one killer in women. A red dress is the national symbol of support.
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease” according to the Go Red organization. To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women. Only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is their No. 1 killer and less than half know what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.
In 2010, the American Heart Association set a strategic goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20% while improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by the year 2020.
In 2003, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the American Heart Association and other organizations committed to women’s health joined together to raise awareness of women and heart disease. The NHLBI introduced the red dress as a national symbol for women and heart disease awareness and the American Heart Association adopted this symbol to create synergy among all organizations committed to fighting this cause.
In the past, heart disease and heart attack have been predominantly associated with men. Historically, men have been the subjects of the research done to understand heart disease and stroke, which has been the basis for treatment guidelines and programs. Go Red believes this led to an oversimplified, distorted view of heart disease and risk, which has worked to the detriment of women.
Because women have been largely ignored as a specific group, their awareness of their risk of this often-preventable disease has suffered. The Go Red For Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.
Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.
The American Heart Association uses all revenues from local and National Go Red For Women activities to support awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women. Funds raised by Go Red For Women activities also support research to discover scientific knowledge about heart health. Toolkits, pocket versions of guidelines for women, special reports and continuing medical education give healthcare providers the tools to ensure that women are being treated according to the guidelines.
Source: Go Red For Women
Written By Sy Kraft, B.A.