By Ancient City Education and Training
February is Go Red for Women Month, a national initiative led by the American Heart Association to raise awareness about the leading cause of death among women: cardiovascular disease.
At Ancient City Education and Training, education is prevention. Throughout this month, we are proud to support the Go Red for Women campaign by sharing weekly educational content focused on women’s cardiovascular health. Our goal is to empower women, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with knowledge that saves lives.
Heart disease is often misunderstood as a “man’s disease,” yet it affects women in unique and sometimes silent ways. Many women delay seeking care because they don’t recognize the symptoms—or don’t believe they’re at risk. This month, we’re changing that narrative through education, awareness, and action.
Each week, we will explore a different aspect of women’s heart health, including risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and the importance of early recognition. Below is an introductory overview to set the foundation for the weeks ahead.
Women and Cardiovascular Disease: An Introduction
Why This Matters
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in women, responsible for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined. Despite this, many women remain unaware of their personal risk or how heart disease may present differently in women than in men.
Key Statistics
- Nearly 1 in 3 women will die from cardiovascular disease
- About 80% of heart disease and stroke events are preventable
- Women are less likely to receive early diagnosis and timely treatment
- Heart attack symptoms in women are more likely to be dismissed or misattributed
Awareness and education are critical to closing this gap.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that includes:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
Risk factors can be modifiable (lifestyle-related) or non-modifiable (such as age and genetics).
Common Risk Factors for Women
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Stress and depression
- Pregnancy-related conditions (such as preeclampsia)
- Menopause-related hormonal changes
Many women have multiple risk factors without noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
One of the most dangerous misconceptions is that heart attacks always look the same. In women, symptoms are often subtle, atypical, or gradual.
Common Symptoms in Women May Include:
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue (sometimes days or weeks before an event)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Chest discomfort (not always severe pain)
Because these symptoms may not feel “cardiac,” women may delay seeking care—sometimes with serious consequences.
What Comes Next
This introduction is just the beginning. Throughout Go Red for Women Month, Ancient City Education and Training will release weekly educational content that dives deeper into:
- Recognizing early warning signs
- Prevention and lifestyle strategies
- The role of caregivers and healthcare professionals
- Education across the lifespan
Knowledge is power—and when it comes to heart health, it can be lifesaving.
We invite you to join us this month as we Go Red for Women and commit to education, awareness, and healthier hearts for all women.
