SALT LAKE CITY, December 10, 2024 — Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. And a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease can nearly double if they have a parent with cardiovascular disease. To help combat these sobering statistics, the American Heart Association is launching the HER-story campaign with local Go Red for Women sponsor Intermountain Health.
“Family gatherings during the holiday season provide the perfect opportunities for women to discuss their heart health history with loved ones. Sharing your family’s story also encourages others to prioritize their own heart health,” said Kaley Graham, executive clinical director of the cardiovascular clinical program for Intermountain Health.
Knowing your family’s health history can help you avoid both heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States. If you don’t know the full history, start with your immediate family. Find out if your parents, grandparents, sisters or brothers had heart disease or a stroke and how old they were when these developed. Providing this information to your health care professional is vital in building a treatment plan for managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, obesity, smoking and lack of physical activity.
“Our genetics are powerful influencers of our health — you can’t counteract them. However, if a woman has a family history of heart disease, she can help offset them and lower her risk by following a healthy lifestyle. This means eating smart, moving more, taking care of her mental well-being and getting routine checkups with her health care team,” said Blake Gardner, MD, senior medical director of the cardiovascular clinical program for Intermountain Health
Living a healthier lifestyle starts with small changes that add up over time. Eating a handful of grapes, going for a short walk or taking five minutes to meditate and breathe are all steps on the journey to better help.
Find educational resources to support women’s heart health at every age, through every stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org. For more information about the Go Red for Women movement in Utah, visit heart.org/UtahGoRed or contact kasi.lund@heart.org.
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The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Merback: 801-205-2489; jennifer.merback@heart,org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
