About Heart Disease in Women

More than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Asian mom sitting with daughters

The more a woman knows about heart disease, the better chance she has of beating it. The first facts you need to know are very serious: Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.

Go Red For Women inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities and shape policies to save lives. United, we are working to improve the health of all women.


Cardiovascular diseases, which includes stroke, claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds. But about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented.

Facts About Heart Disease in Women

Do you know what causes cardiovascular disease in women?

Symptoms of a Heart Attack and Stroke

If you had heart disease, would you recognize the symptoms?

Living With Heart Disease

Educate yourself about getting on track to a heart-healthy life.

Heart Disease Research

The American Heart Association (AHA) has spent more than $5 billion on research.

Jen Thorson’s Story

Jen Thorson was an avid runner who never thought she would be a candidate for heart disease. Her first symptoms were shortness of breath and then back pain. She was only 37, but was properly diagnosed and began treatment that saved her life.

Cheryl Holmes thought her breathing difficulty and extreme sweating were because she was pregnant. Even her doctor was convinced pregnancy was the source of her symptoms. When they didn’t subside after the birth of her child, she discovered these were caused by heart disease.

Both Cheryl and Jen are now active spokespersons for Go Red For Women. They gladly share their successful heart disease stories so other women can learn from their experiences.