American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women� Movement asks the women of Johnson County to uncover the truth about heart disease

More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood. During National Wear Red Day, the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement is inviting the women of Johnson County to participate in a Go Red CONNECT event on Friday, February 3, to make ending heart disease a reality.

“Heart disease causes the death of one woman every minute,” said KellyAnn Light-McGroary, MD, Cardiologist at the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center.“That's why it's so important to understand your personal risk factors and often-overlooked common symptoms, and to share that information with the women you love.”

Currently some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. In fact, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

The American Heart Association will kick off the search for the next Go Red Women at the Iowa City Go Red CONNECT event at the White Rose Gift Store in the Main Lobby of UI Hospitals and Clinics (200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa 52242) and online at GoRedForWomen.org. Women who share their stories have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause – representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, and on its web site.

The Iowa City CONNECT event will be held on Feb. 3 at University of Iowa Hospital from noon to 2:00 p.m. Highlights include possibly becoming the next local national Go Red For Women spokesperson or signing up to become a volunteer. Find out more by visiting GoRedForWomen.org.

Be the Difference

Go Red For Women is asking women to take action by participating in this year's National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3. Women can help uncover the truth about heart disease, learn more about their risk, get involved with local events and register for a free red dress pin at GoRedForWomen.org.

Roll out your Red: Join the Wear Red Day Challenge!

Join the excitement of our first-ever Wear Red Day Challenge as we spotlight our most spirited supporters. Go to Facebook.com/AmericanHeartAssociationEasternIowa and upload photos of your efforts to “Go Red” and submit them on the Wear Red Day Challenge tab on our Facebook Page from Feb.1 to Feb. 22. Encourage others to vote for you by “liking” your submissions; winners will be announced for each category on Feb. 29.

The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement, created by women, for women, dedicated to uncovering the truth about women and heart disease: heart disease can kill you or a woman you love. With more women dying of cardiovascular disease than the next three causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premier source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc, with additional support from our cause sponsors.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.