'Red means go': American Heart Association campaign focuses on women's heart health

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign is helping women take matters of the heart seriously. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women.

Friday's event in West Des Moines encouraged women to understand their personal risks, recognize possible warning signs and take steps to protect their health. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the association.

“A lot of times, women don’t know that it’s the number one killer for all women, and stroke is the third-leading cause,” said Kris DeGraff, chair of the local Go Red for Women initiative. “Knowing your blood pressure and knowing any sort of family risk or history is critically important.”

Women also face risks connected to life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. Go Red for Women works to address gaps in cardiovascular research, education and care while giving women tools to lead heart-healthy lives.

The event was part of a nationwide campaign, but DeGraff said increasing awareness in Central Iowa remains particularly important. She also highlighted the need for more people to learn hands-only CPR, noting that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR during a cardiac emergency.

“What we’re trying to do is raise awareness around learning hands-only CPR,” DeGraff said. “We’re trying to create a nation of lifesavers.”

The Go Red for Women movement has promoted women’s heart health for more than two decades.