Madison companies shine light on prevalence of heart disease in construction industry
MADISON, Wis. (August 27, 2025) - Industry leaders across Dane County are joining forces through the American Heart Association’s Madison Hard Hats with Heart campaign to shine a spotlight on cardiovascular disease and its impact on construction workers.
Suzanne Doody, of Vierbicher, and Tonya Zurfluh, of LERDAHL, are the co-chairs of this year’s campaign, which will culminate with an event on Oct. 23 at Wisconsin Aviation.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with construction workers facing an elevated risk due to physically demanding jobs, high stress levels and limited access to health care. Studies show that one in four construction workers has high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, nearly half of all cardiovascular events occur in people under 65, significantly affecting working-age individuals and their families.
“For me, heart health is personal,” Doody said. “In construction, we protect people from falls and hazards on the jobsite, but how often do we talk about the silent risks our teams carry home each day? Hard Hats with Heart is our chance to build a culture where taking care of your heart is just as important as putting on your hard hat.”
The campaign focuses on integrating health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture. Through Hard Hats with Heart, the Association inspires companies to implement initiatives to help employees improve their health such as providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, executing stress-reducing programs and educating employees about the signs of heart disease and how to perform Hands-Only CPR.
The Hard Hats with Heart campaign is now in its 10th year in Madison.
“I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the Hard Hats with Heart campaign from the initial concept as it was introduced to Madison,” Zurfluh said. “The growth of this event, and awareness it brings for the construction industry, has been amazing to see. Today, 10 years later, I’m personally experiencing the importance of “My Why” in advocating for heart and cardiovascular health.”
For more information about Hard Hats with Heart, visit Heart.org/MadisonHardHats or contact Anna Soergel at Anna.Soergel@Heart.org.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, AHA funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health policies, and provides critical resources to improve cardiovascular health and reduce stroke risks. Learn more at heart.org and connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Travis Sloan: Travis.Sloan@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
