San Diego Cardiothoracic Surgeon combats cardiovascular disease – No. 1 women’s health threat

SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 16, 2025 — Alexandra Kharazi, MD a cardiothoracic surgeon is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women San Diego Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. She won the local competition by raising funds and increasing awareness to combat heart disease and stroke in women while improving overall well-being in the community. According to the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. It claims the lives of 1 in 3 women disproportionately affecting women of color.

“As a heart attack survivor, I know the importance of research helping those with heart conditions survive and thrive,” said Jay Wurtzler, American Heart Association San Diego Board of Directors member.  “I want to thank Dr. Kharazi and all the San Diego Women of Impact nominees for a phenomenal campaign that helped ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.”

Over the course of nine weeks, Dr. Kharazi, along with a team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, including a community CPR training event, Dr. Kharazi was named this year’s winner. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and improving the lives of women globally for more than two decades.

“As a cardiothoracic surgeon, I often meet people at the end stage, when high blood pressure becomes an aortic dissection, or vague symptoms are ignored until it’s almost too late. While I’m proud of the work I do in the operating room, I knew I needed to scale that impact into the community,” said Dr. Kharazi, “Cardiovascular disease is already the number one killer in this country. The Woman of Impact campaign was about getting ahead of the crisis by raising awareness, shifting the narrative, and making sure more lives are saved before they ever need surgery. Even though I’m incredibly honored to hold the title, it was never about the win. It was about taking what I know, what I do and who I am and making it matter more.”

The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In San Diego, 8 community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s nominees in San Diego taught more than 400 people Hands-Only CPR, spread heart-healthy education to thousands, and raised $111,845 for the San Diego American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

Other local nominees included:

• Alexandra Bryan, StepStone Group
• Nicole de Lara, Hologic
• Laurie Edwards-Tate, At Your Home Familycare
• Rhina Paredes-Greeson, Scripps Health/Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation
• Rosemary Reed, Commworld of San Diego-North
• Jessica Reyes-Brazel, Sharp HealthCare

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, CVD continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[1]  Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in San Diego visit San Diego Go Red for Women website. 

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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:

Erika Cervantes-Aarons: Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@heart.org

For Public Inquiries:

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

heart.org and stroke.org