Go Red For Women: 10 Years Of Changing Hearts

In the first ten years of the Go Red For Women movement, millions of hearts have been changed.

Ten years ago, the American Heart Association discovered that heart disease killed more women than men. And it took more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. So Go Red For Women was created – a network of women dedicated to education, support, and research.

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Since then, millions of women have been educated on the dangers of heart disease, and made major changes in health care. Here are ten encouraging accomplishments that make all of those involved very proud:

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1. Lives are being saved

• 34% fewer women now die from heart disease.
• More than 627,000 women’s lives have been saved.

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2. Overall heart health has improved

• Nearly 90% of participants made healthy lifestyle changes.
• 37% have lost excess weight.
• More than half now exercise more.
• 60% now eat healthier diets.
• 43% have had their cholesterol checked.

3. Awareness of heart disease has increased

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• 23% increase in awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women.

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4. Unhealthy lifestyle risks have decreased

• Smoking decreased by 15.1%.
• Cholesterol levels decreased 18.1%.

5. Diversity challenges have been identified and targeted

• Heart disease rates vary by ethnicity, with unique challenges for each.
• Targeted efforts are reaching African American and Hispanic women.