Raising Awareness for the Nation’s Leading Cause of Death
On February 3, 2023, Americans across the country wore red to mark National Wear Red Day, the official kickoff to American Heart Month—an annual initiative devoted to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease. Spearheaded by organizations such as the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), the American Heart Association (AHA), and community partners nationwide, the event served as a visual reminder of the urgent need for greater public attention to heart health, especially among women.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Yet despite its prevalence, many Americans—particularly women—underestimate their personal risk. National Wear Red Day, which occurs on the first Friday of February each year, aims to bridge that knowledge gap and spark life-saving conversations about prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
Focus on Women’s Cardiovascular Health
A key theme of this year’s campaign was the persistent gender disparity in heart disease awareness and outcomes. According to data from the AHA, nearly 1 in 3 women dies from cardiovascular disease annually, yet many women are unaware of the symptoms, which often present differently than in men. While chest pain remains a hallmark symptom, women may also experience nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, or back and jaw pain—signs that are too often dismissed or misattributed.
National Wear Red Day sought to counter this trend by educating the public and medical professionals about gender-specific symptoms and the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes. Through coordinated social media campaigns, community health events, and red-themed fundraising drives, the observance mobilized support across sectors—from hospitals and schools to corporations and local governments.
Prevention Through Education and Action
In support of American Heart Month, the ODPHP and partner organizations highlighted key preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular risk:
- Healthy Diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while reducing sodium and processed food intake.
- Physical Activity: Encouraging at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Routine Screenings: Promoting regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
- Smoking Cessation and Alcohol Moderation: Reducing lifestyle-related risk factors through behavioral change.
- Stress Management: Addressing mental health and its connection to physical well-being.
These strategies are part of a broader national push to combat chronic diseases, which now account for more than 75% of U.S. healthcare spending. By spotlighting cardiovascular health during February, public health leaders aim to catalyze year-round awareness and action.
Community and Institutional Participation
The 2023 National Wear Red Day drew participation from thousands of institutions across the country. Hospitals lit up in red, healthcare workers donned crimson scrubs, and government buildings displayed red lighting as a show of solidarity. Public health departments hosted free screenings and educational workshops, while nonprofits launched fundraising campaigns to support heart research and community outreach.
One notable example came from Salud America, a Latino health equity organization that used the campaign to emphasize the disproportionate burden of heart disease among Hispanic communities. Their culturally tailored outreach aimed to address barriers in access to care and promote heart health education in underserved populations.
A Month to Inspire Lifelong Change
While Wear Red Day marked a powerful start to American Heart Month, public health advocates emphasized that real progress depends on sustained engagement. From making small lifestyle changes to pushing for equitable healthcare policies, the campaign encourages individuals and institutions alike to play an active role in reducing the toll of heart disease.
As February continues, the message remains clear: heart disease is largely preventable, and awareness is the first step toward action.
Source:
Salud America – National Wear Red Day and Heart Health in 2023
