National Wear Red Day

Posted On February 3, 2020
Categories Features

This year, the month of February marks the beginning of American Heart Month and kicks off with the observance of National Wear Red Day on February 7th, celebrated annually the first Friday of the month. This day intends to increase awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among all Americans.

National Wear Red Day places a special emphasis on raising awareness about heart disease in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about half of all women (56%) are aware that heart disease is the number one cause of death. Many women are unaware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease, which can be different than the symptoms experienced by men. Often, women show no symptoms, and are diagnosed with heart disease only after experiencing emergencies such as heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure.

According to the CDC, the symptoms most commonly experienced by women include:

  • Angina – pressure/pain in the chest
  • Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw or throat
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back
  • Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue

All women and men are encouraged to show support and help increase awareness about heart disease by wearing red on Friday, February 7th!

Please visit the CDC webpage https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm for more information on heart disease in women.