IRVINE, Calif., May 16, 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 Orange 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 Friday, May 9, 250 plus guests dressed in red attended the 2025 Orange County Go Red for Women Luncheon united against women’s greatest health threat. The luncheon honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart health and raised more than $725,000 to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.

“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and events like this year’s Go Red for Women Luncheon play a vital role in raising awareness and educating women about their risk for heart disease and stroke, and how to reduce it,” said Tatyana Popkova, 2025 Orange County Go Red for Women Chair and UCI Health Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory. “Together, we can ensure every woman is informed, supported and never has to face it alone.”

Since 2004, the Go Red for Women movement has raised awareness and addressed clinical care gaps of CVD for women. As the movement celebrates more than 20 years of making an impact, the Association, a global force for healthier lives for all for more than 100 years, 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 Lani Go-Keala Executive Director of the Orange County American Heart Association. “Here in Orange County, we are bringing women together for CPR trainings, blood pressure checks, and maternal health education because Go Red for Women is there 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 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 the Orange County Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Edward Lifesciences, UCI Health and Cotality.

*We are excited to announce that Tania Saison, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, Associate General Counsel, Lead Counsel JAPAC at Edwards Lifesciences LLC, will serve as Chair for the 2026 Orange County Go Red for Women Campaign.

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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/southerncalifornia, Facebook, Instagram and 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:

Daniel Ruacho daniel.ruacho@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:

1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org