Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and yet it is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or overlooked. Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and heart disease and stroke can happen at any age.
That’s why National Wear Red Day, observed this year on Friday, February 6, matters. It’s a visible, nationwide reminder that women’s heart health deserves attention, education, and action year-round — not just when symptoms appear.
Led by the American Heart Association, Wear Red Day is part of the larger Go Red for Women movement, which focuses on empowering women to understand their risks and take steps toward healthier lives.
Southern California Goes Red
To help raise awareness, landmarks across Southern California will light up red or display heart-health messages in solidarity. Participating locations include:
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Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC)
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Angel Stadium Big A (heart health message display)
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Buena Park City Hall
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Discovery Cube, Santa Ana
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Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles
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Los Angeles Union Station
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Pacific Park’s Pacific Wheel, Santa Monica
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
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Rose Bowl, Pasadena
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SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
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The Clock Tower, Santa Monica
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Third Street Promenade, Downtown Santa Monica
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Toyota Arena, Ontario
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UCI Medical Center
These visual displays serve as a powerful reminder that heart disease affects women everywhere — across communities, ages, and backgrounds.
What Go Red for Women Is Encouraging Women to Do
The Go Red for Women movement isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action. The American Heart Association encourages women to make informed, proactive choices that can significantly lower their risk of heart disease and stroke.
Here are key steps they highlight:
Know your numbers.
Monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and body mass index plays a critical role in heart health. Understanding these numbers gives women the tools to spot risks early and make informed decisions.
Support research that includes women.
Through Research Goes Red, the Heart Association works to close gaps in cardiovascular research, where women have historically been underrepresented. More inclusive research leads to better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn Hands-Only CPR.
Women are statistically less likely to receive bystander CPR during cardiac emergencies. Learning Hands-Only CPR can help save lives — whether it’s a stranger’s or someone you love.
Use trusted heart-health resources.
Women can find information tailored to every life stage at GoRedforWomen.org and learn more about National Wear Red Day at WearRedDay.org.
A Reminder That Can Save Lives
National Wear Red Day is simple on the surface — wear red, share a post, light up a landmark. But the message behind it is serious and urgent. Heart disease is largely preventable, and awareness is one of the most powerful tools in reducing its impact.
By wearing red, sharing information, and talking openly about women’s heart health, communities help shift the narrative from reaction to prevention.
For local information on the Los Angeles Go Red for Women movement, visit heart.org/GoRedLA.
Because when women understand their heart health, they gain the power to protect it — today, and for years to come.
