National Wear Red Day Highlights Women's Heart Health Awareness

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People across the country wore red on Friday to mark National Wear Red Day, an annual campaign to raise awareness about women's heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of women nationwide, accounting for one in three deaths each year, more than all forms of cancer combined. Health officials say it's important for women to know their risk factors and take steps to reduce them by talking to their doctors about prevention strategies.

Why it matters

Heart disease and stroke can affect women at any age, so raising awareness about the risks and preventative measures is crucial. The National Wear Red Day campaign coincides with American Heart Month, providing an ideal time to focus on improving cardiovascular health among women.

The details

The American Heart Association warns that heart disease accounts for one in three deaths each year among women, more than all forms of cancer combined. Health officials say small lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and medication can have an enormous impact on reducing women's risk of heart disease over a lifetime.

• National Wear Red Day is held annually on the first Friday of February.