WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. May 9, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.[1] Women also experience unique life stages, such as 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 Palm Beach County Go Red for Women Luncheon invited the community to learn about women’s heart health and help fund critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.

On April 10, nearly 300 guests dressed in red attended the Palm Beach County Go Red for Women Luncheon, united against women’s greatest health threat. The event honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised critical funds to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and campaigns like this one are crucial for providing education on how we can lower our risk,” said 2025 Palm Beach County Go Red for Women chairperson Iliana Rentz. “We want to ensure that whether she’s experiencing heart disease herself or has a family member or friend experiencing heart disease, every woman is supported and knows where to find resources to help.”

Rentz was one of several speakers at the luncheon who shared their personal connections to heart disease. Other speakers included Felicia Rodriguez, WPBF25 News anchor and the day’s emcee, and Stacey Comerford, executive director of the American Heart Association, Palm Beach County. In a key moment during the program, audience members who have experienced heart disease or stroke, or who have been touched by it in some way, were asked to stand. Nearly the entire room of 300 guests stood.

“Through Go Red for Women, we’re funding research to advance innovative solutions specific to women’s unique health experiences and needs,“ Comerford said. “Here in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, we are working to make blood pressure kits, nutritious foods and exercise classes more accessible because we know that women who can make those a part of their lifestyle can lower their risk of chronic disease.”

As women grow and change, so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. CVD 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 locally sponsored by Florida Power and Light Company, Blue Lake Service, CITY Furniture, National Together to End Stroke Sponsor Encompass Health, and HCA Florida Healthcare, supported by HCA Healthcare Foundation.

For more information contact Ashley Costa at Ashley.Costa@Heart.org, or visit Heart.org/PBGoRed.

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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, Facebook, Instagram and X.

For Media Inquiries:  
Nina Barbero, APR
nina.barbero@heart.org