On National Wear Red Day, Spectrum News 1 put the spotlight on a critical issue: women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet many are unaware of the unique risk factors they may face. The American Heart Association is committed to changing that by raising awareness and empowering women to take control of their heart health at every stage of life.
In an interview with Spectrum News 1’s Olivia Lemmon, Dr. Brigid Carlson, a cardiologist with UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., emphasized the importance of understanding both traditional and female-specific risk factors. While high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking are well-known contributors to heart disease, women must also be mindful of risks tied to pregnancy-related complications.
“Women who have gestational diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy—preeclampsia, eclampsia—all of that raises the risk for later development of cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Carlson explained.
The good news? Many heart disease risk factors are manageable with lifestyle changes. Dr. Carlson encourages all women to stay active—something as simple as a daily walk can make a difference. She also stresses the importance of eating a heart-healthy diet and avoiding smoking.
Raising awareness is just the first step. The American Heart Association continues to advocate for better research, education, and healthcare policies to ensure that all women have access to the knowledge and resources they need to protect their hearts.
National Wear Red Day is a reminder to prioritize your heart every day of the year. Learn more about how you can protect your heart and the hearts of the women you love by visiting goredforwomen.org.