February is American Heart Month, a time when hearts across the nation beat in unison to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which claims the lives of approximately 1 in 5 people across the United States each year. This month, the American Heart Association urges everyone to take charge of their heart health and support initiatives aimed at reducing the devastating impact of heart disease and stroke. Leading this vital mission is the Go Red for Women movement, which ensures that women’s voices are heard and their health needs are prioritized.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Shreveport Convention Center will be a beacon of hope and empowerment as it hosts the American Heart Association’s Northwest Louisiana Go Red for Women luncheon. This significant event, locally presented by Ochsner LSU Health, aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease—the leading cause of death among women—and to celebrate the remarkable strides made in women’s heart health.

The Mission of Go Red for Women Health is personal, confounding, and often lonely. With inequities in research, treatment, and funding, women have been undercounted and under-supported. Go Red for Women, since its inception in 2004, has been at the forefront of addressing these gaps.

As we look to the next 100 years, the American Heart Association, through Go Red for Women, is prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible and equitable health solutions.

Fast Facts – Women and Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.

Here are some critical statistics:

  •  Only 44% of women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their leading cause of death.
  • Between 2017 and 2020, among females 20 years of age and older, nearly 45% had some form of cardiovascular disease.
  • The prevalence of stroke was higher in females (5.4 million) compared to males (4.0 million) aged 20 years and older.
  • In 2020, stroke caused the deaths of 90,627 females, accounting for 56.5% of total stroke deaths.
  • The majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education.

The Role of Ochsner LSU Health

As the new local presenting sponsor, Ochsner LSU Health plays a pivotal role in the success of the Go Red for Women luncheon. Their commitment to improving heart health in the community aligns perfectly with the mission of Go Red for Women. Ochsner LSU Health’s support helps to amplify the message of heart health awareness and provides essential resources for research and education.

Through their sponsorship with Go Red for Women, Ochsner LSU Health hopes to bring a greater awareness to stroke risk factors and recovery, which they have named as a top organizational priority. With the landscape of medical research and treatment consistently evolving, the American Heart Association is proud to be a top resource for the latest findings and guidance in cardiovascular disease and stroke care for healthcare facilities and professionals in our community and beyond.

Awareness: Go Red for Women serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. Through media, events, storytelling, and digital platforms, the initiative raises the voices of women to highlight their greatest health threat – cardiovascular disease. Survivors, health experts, celebrities, community leaders, and executives help carry the message and mission to help all women understand their risks so they can fight back against heart disease and stroke.

Research: Women continue to be underrepresented and underfunded in both research and STEM fields. Go Red for Women addresses this through initiatives like Research Goes Red and STEM Goes Red, which aims to increase funding and research on CVD in women.

Life Stages: Women experience unique life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, that can put them at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Go Red for Women focuses on these critical periods to provide targeted support and education.

Mental Well-Being in Women: Women juggle many roles in life and face different challenges to their overall health and well-being. High work stress, for example, increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Go Red for Women emphasizes the importance of supporting women’s mental health as a crucial component of heart health.

Noteworthy Accomplishments in 20 Years of Go Red for Women

  • 2004: Go Red for Women begins, raising awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and helping them take action to prevent it. The first set of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in women is published.
  • 2006: Go Red grants its first international license in collaboration with the World Heart Federation. Today, Go Red for Women is in more than 50 countries across the globe.
  • 2010: Go Red for Women supports a provision to prohibit insurance companies from charging women higher premiums than men for the same health insurance coverage.
  • 2015: The AHA announces plans for the Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN), with five centers studying key women-related issues.
  • 2016: STEM Goes Red launches in Chicago to engage young, diverse women in future STEM careers.
  • 2019: Research Goes Red launches in collaboration with the Institute for Precision Medicine, building the most highly engaged women’s health registry and research marketplace.
  • 2022: Go Red affirms the importance of heart health for all women, supported by the latest AHA presidential advisory, which details ways to eliminate discrepancies women face in care and research.

The American Heart Association’s Impact in Northwest Louisiana The American Heart Association is deeply committed to positively affecting heart health across generations in Northwest Louisiana. Through various programs and initiatives, the AHA works tirelessly to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke in the community. The AHA’s efforts in Northwest Louisiana include educational programs in schools to promote heart-healthy habits from a young age through the Kids Heart Challenge, working with local organizations to support heart health initiatives, raising awareness about risk factors and reducing your risk, and supporting and celebrating survivors. These programs aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier lives.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the AHA envisions a community where heart disease and stroke are no longer leading causes of death. By continuing to advance research, advocate for hearthealthy policies, and provide education and resources, the AHA aims to create a healthier future for all generations. The AHA invites everyone to be part of this vision and contribute to the fight against cardiovascular disease as we advance health and hope for everyone everywhere. Join us at the Shreveport Convention Center on February 27, 2025, to make a difference in the fight against heart disease. Your support can help save lives and bring hope to countless people affected by cardiovascular disease. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a fun and transformative event.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, and volunteer details, visit heart.org/ NWLAGoRed or contact the American Heart Association’s NWLA Regional Director, Kevin Koch, at kevin.koch@heart.org or by phone at 859.760.2299.