Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.
The annual Rochester Go Red for Women luncheon invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.
On Wednesday, December 4, 200 guests dressed in red attended the 2024 Rochester Go Red for Women Luncheon against women’s greatest health threat. The luncheon honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised over $130,000 to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent heart disease and stroke in women.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and events like this year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon are crucial for raising awareness and providing education to help all women better understand their risks for heart disease and stroke and how to reduce it,” said Adrienne Morgan, Rochester Go Red for Women chairwoman and chief diversity officer at University of Rochester.
“Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go it alone.”
Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of cardiovascular disease for women. As the movement celebrates 20 years of making an impact, the Association, a global force for healthier lives for all for more than 100 years, calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.
“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs,” said Megan Vargulick, Executive Director for the Rochester and Buffalo American Heart Association. “Here in Rochester, we are bringing women together to hear from multiple women’s health advocates and learn about the importance of heart health with Hands-Only CPR demonstrations. The Go Red for Women movement advocates for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives.”
As women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. It’s also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise. Yet, according to an American Heart Association special report, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.
That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.
For more information, visit http://Heart.org/GoRedRoc.
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