South Florida unites against women’s No. 1 killer

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 22, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.[1] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to ensuring women are no longer disproportionately affected by CVD. The annual South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and to help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.

Through the luncheon, the Association honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised more than $300,000 to continue identifying, diagnosing, treating and preventing CVD in women.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and events like this year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon are crucial for raising awareness and providing education to help all women better understand their risks for heart disease and stroke and how to reduce it,” said Dionne Polite, South Florida Go Red for Women chairperson and AARP Florida’s director of state operations. “Together, we can ensure every woman is supported and that no one has to go it alone.”

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As Go Red for Women celebrates more than 20 years, the Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, calls on all women to take charge of their health and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their community.

“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs,“ said Marisol Vera, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Miami Fort Lauderdale.“ Here in South Florida we are bringing women together for CPR trainings and blood pressure checks, and we are here for women’s health and well-being at every age, stage and season of their lives.”

As women grow and change, so does their risk for CVD, which is 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. It’s also the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise.[2] Yet, according to an American Heart Association special report, younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.[3] That’s why it’s important for all women to advocate for their heart health and encourage others to do the same.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the South Florida Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company, City Furniture, Amazon, Jose Milton Foundation, Broward Health, LaCroix Sparkling Water, AARP, Helenemarie Blake, Blue Legacy Ventures, EKN Solutions, Marsh, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Rick Case Automotive Group, Royal Palm Companies, Shutts & Bowen, and VITAS Healthcare. For more information contact Mallory Weintraub at mallory.weintraub@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/SFLGoRed.

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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 one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, 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:

Melissa Solis, Melissa.Solis@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org