Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.

On Friday, which is National Wear Red Day, people and landmarks across the nation will “go red” to raise awareness of women’s No. 1 killer.

The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is working to raise awareness that heart disease and stroke can happen at any age and nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.

On National Wear Red Day, the Heart Association urges everyone to join the Go Red for Women movement in championing better health and well-being for all women by wearing red and spreading awareness. You can join the conversation online by sharing on social media using #WearRedDay, #WearRedAndGive and #GoRedforWomen.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Ron Marhofer Auto Family, is asking women to make bold moves today for a healthier tomorrow:

• Know your numbers: Maintaining good blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol and body mass index can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

• Join Research Goes Red to help ensure more women are represented and counted when it comes to scientific discovery. Women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research.

• Learn Hands-Only CPR and be equipped with the knowledge to save a life. Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR

“Knowledge is power, and far too many women don’t know they’re at risk,” said Molly Marhofer, Akron-Canton Go Red for Women volunteer chair and Community Outreach Director at Ron Marhofer Auto Family. “Heart disease often presents differently in women than it does in men, and those differences can lead to missed warning signs or delayed care. Women are also caregivers by nature. We prioritize our families, work and communities, but often put our own health last. Raising awareness helps women recognize their risk, speak up and take proactive steps to protect their hearts. When women know better, they do better, not just for themselves, but for everyone who depends on them. ”

Find resources to support women’s heart health at every age and stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org.

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 100 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 or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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 one in three.

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. For more information, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).