Wear Red Day Highlights Women's Heart Health Awareness

American Heart Association encourages women to prioritize cardiovascular health

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The American Heart Association is marking National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6, 2026 to raise awareness that more than 45% of women over 20 live with some form of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in women. The organization is urging women to visit their doctors if they notice any concerning symptoms, as early detection and treatment are crucial.

Why it matters

Heart disease is a leading killer of women, yet many are unaware of their risk or the importance of regular checkups. Wear Red Day aims to educate the public and empower women to take charge of their cardiovascular health through prevention, early intervention, and lifestyle changes.

The details

Wear Red Day is an annual event organized by the American Heart Association to encourage women to wear the color red and learn more about heart disease. The campaign highlights the fact that over 45% of women over 20 are living with some form of heart disease, which can include conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. The organization's staff emphasize the importance of women listening to their bodies and seeking medical attention if they notice any unusual symptoms.

  • National Wear Red Day is held every year on the first Friday in February.
  • This year, Wear Red Day falls on February 6, 2026.

The players

American Heart Association

A nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, with a focus on empowering women to prioritize their cardiovascular health.

Chrissy Meyer

The regional marketing director for the American Heart Association, who encourages women to be proactive about their heart health.

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What they’re saying

“It's just important for a woman to know that if there's anything at all that seems off or doesn't seem right, go get it checked out. You know your body better than anybody. Go get that checked out right away.”

— Chrissy Meyer, Regional Marketing Director, American Heart Association

What’s next

The American Heart Association is urging women to visit their doctors for regular checkups and to learn more about their individual risk factors for heart disease. The organization also encourages donations to its Go Red for Women campaign, which supports research, education, and advocacy efforts.

The takeaway

Wear Red Day serves as a powerful reminder that heart disease is a critical issue for women, and that taking proactive steps to monitor one's cardiovascular health can save lives. By spreading awareness and empowering women to be their own health advocates, the American Heart Association aims to reduce the burden of heart disease and improve outcomes for women across the country.