Go Red for Women: A Call to Action Against Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the foremost cause of death among women. In a bid to address this alarming statistic, the American Heart Association (AHA) held its annual “Go Red for Women” event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday. The event successfully raised $115,000 aimed at enhancing research, raising awareness, and supporting advocacy initiatives specifically focused on women’s heart health.

Addressing Research Disparities

“We recognize that there is a disparity in research for women and their cardiac health,” stated Cara Whipple, Executive Director of the AHA in Des Moines. “For over 25 years, the AHA has dedicated resources to empower women, enabling them to understand and take control of their cardiovascular health.”

Statistics reveal that nearly 45% of women over age 20 are affected by some form of cardiovascular disease. Factors such as puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can significantly influence a woman’s heart health. The event featured KCCI’s Jodi Long, who shared her journey with severe postpartum preeclampsia following her daughter’s birth, emphasizing how life stages correlate with heart health.

Changing Treatment Protocols

According to Whipple, “Whether we’re in puberty or pregnancy or perimenopause or menopause, our heart health changes over the course of our lifetime, and the treatment protocols and the research just haven’t kept up with that.” This statement underscored the need for updated and standardized health protocols that cater specifically to the unique challenges women face throughout their lives.

The Importance of CPR and Stress Management

This year’s event also highlighted critical life-saving skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and stress management techniques. Heart attack survivor Trisha Flaherty Barnes shared her harrowing experience of enduring 16-hour workdays and her long recovery after suffering cardiac arrest in 2024. Her husband played a pivotal role in her survival by performing CPR for 13 minutes until help arrived.

Empowering the Community

The message of the event was clear: everyone has the potential to be a lifesaver. Attendees were encouraged to engage in various activities to enhance their heart health, including:

• Learning CPR
• Participating in regular exercise
• Monitoring their blood pressure daily

By taking these proactive measures, community members can contribute to reducing the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

The Go Red for Women event not only raised significant funds but also fostered a community dedicated to understanding and improving women’s cardiovascular health. With ongoing advocacy and research, the AHA aims to close the gap in heart health disparities for women.

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