Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives annually than all forms of cancer combined, with nearly half of all American women affected by some form of heart disease or stroke. To confront this persistent public health crisis, the American Heart Association, through its Go Red for Women movement, is calling for nationwide participation in National Wear Red Day on February 6, 2026, and outlining four essential ways to support women's heart health.
The first action is public awareness. Individuals are encouraged to wear red on February 6 and use social media hashtags like #WearRedDay and #GoRedforWomen to spread information about the heart health challenges women face. Resources and tools for participation are available at WearRedDay.org, and the iconic Red Dress pin and other apparel can be purchased at ShopHeart.org.
The second action involves personal health management. Knowing key health numbers—total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index—is critical for understanding and mitigating risk. The American Heart Association stresses that maintaining these numbers at healthy levels can significantly reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke, advising individuals to discuss their numbers with a healthcare provider.
The third action addresses a critical gap in medical research. Despite the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women, most clinical heart studies have not included women or analyzed women-specific data. The Association's Research Goes Red initiative calls on women across the country to contribute to health research through surveys, studies, and testing new technologies to improve disease management and healthcare outcomes.
The fourth action focuses on community and survivor advocacy. Twelve women from across the nation are representing the Go Red for Women movement in 2026 as a sisterhood of survivors. By sharing their personal stories of heart disease and stroke at platforms like goredforwomen.org/survivors, they aim to raise awareness about risks and resources, encourage meaningful change, and work toward eliminating women's greatest health threat.
"National Wear Red Day is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can change the future of women's health," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., volunteer president of the American Heart Association. The movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, seeks to ensure every woman has the knowledge, resources, and support needed for a longer, healthier life. Comprehensive resources for women's heart health at every life stage are available at GoRedforWomen.org.
