SEATTLE, March 6, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women[1], yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is changing women’s health through the Go Red for Women® movement. The initiative unites women across the globe to understand their risk and fight back against their No. 1 killer. Go Red for Women is where community and connection meet action.
The Puget Sound Go Red for Women Experience empowered 250 guests to learn about women’s heart and brain health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program honored survivors, celebrated advancements in cardiovascular health and raised $870,000 to continue better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.
During the program, Megan Johnson from Auburn, Wash., shared her personal experience of suffering a heart attack at just 32 years old. Johnson is passionate about including women in cardiovascular research as the cause of her heart attack remains unexplained. She called on Go Red for Women supporters to demand to be included in lifesaving science and to support the movement to continue advocacy for women’s heart and brain health.
Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.[2] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk.[3] Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research.
“Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, and events like this one are essential to raising awareness and providing information so women understand their risks — and how to reduce them,” said Florence Chang, Puget Sound Go Red for Women chair and president of MultiCare Health System. “Women thrive when they have the knowledge, resources and awareness to prioritize their own care.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by MultiCare Health System, T-Mobile and Cambia Health Foundation. To make a donation to support the Go Red for Women movement in the Puget Sound visit heart.org/PugetSoundGoRed.
Additional resources:
- Multimedia is available on the right side of this release
- 2026 Stats Update – Fact Sheet Females and CVD (PDF)
- Read in Spanish
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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
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:
Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
