National Woman’s Heart Day, commonly known as National Wear Red Day is observed on the first Friday in February. This year, it takes place on February 7. What could be the occasion when you see heart-shaped balloons bobbing their heads at every street corner, heart-shaped cakes, pies, and donuts stacked on the windows of bakeries, and red dresses filling every aisle in stores? The month of February is celebrated as American Heart Month while the first Friday of February is celebrated as National Woman’s Heart Day. It is an initiative to spread awareness about women’s cardiovascular health, wear a red dress, pants, or shoes. Red capes can also be worn because raising awareness about a noble cause is no less than a superpower.
History of National Woman's Heart Day
According to records from the American Heart Association National Survey, awareness about women’s cardiovascular health dropped from 65% to 44% between 2009 and 2019. Cardiovascular disease was also discovered to be the cause of one out of five deaths in women. The notion of cardiovascular diseases is often associated with men rather than women. This is why poor heart health often goes unnoticed among women.
The symptoms of heart disease often differ between men and women. For instance, during a heart attack, the primary symptom is chest ache but in women, the pain might radiate to the jaw, neck, and back with a predominant feeling of unease or that something is not right. Women often neglect these symptoms because the idea of women having a heart attack is unusual. This awareness about cardiovascular diseases has dropped mostly among Hispanic and black women.
With National Woman’s Heart Day, American Heart Association aims to bring awareness about women’s cardiovascular health. Go Red for Women is an initiative solely dedicated to spreading awareness about this cause. An initiative that began in America, Go Red is now licensed in 42 countries.
Taking care of one’s heart can be very simple. Aside from getting lots of love and understanding, eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, sleep well, and get regular heart screening done, especially for women above the age of 40.
National Woman's Heart Day timeline
The greek philosopher, Aristotle, identifies the heart as the most important organ.
The English physician recognizes the circulation of blood and that the heart is the center of the process.
Left ventricular assist devices that can reverse weak heart muscle performance in people with heart failure awaiting transplantation are studied.
The initiative targeting awareness about women’s cardiovascular health begins.
National Woman's Heart Day FAQs
Does laughing make your heart stronger?
When we laugh, our vascular health improves as we take larger gasps of air which results in more oxygenated blood being circulated in our body.
How is heart disease diagnosed in a woman?
Blood tests can help a doctor figure out your risk of heart disease, the most common being a lipid profile.
Which fruit juice is good for arteries?
Pomegranate juice prevents the hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage.
How to Observe National Woman's Heart Day
Wear anything red
Go Red for Women by wearing red today. Today is a perfect day to share a selfie in red to spread the word.
Go for a heart screening
If you are a woman, then get your heart checked. Also, take your mother, sister, and your girlfriends for screenings as well.
Raise funds for the cause
Donate to American Heart Association at Go Red for Women to support the cause. Every cent helps.
5 Amazing Facts About The Heart
The size of the heart
The average size of the human heart is the size of an adult fist.
Electricity in the heart
The cardiac conduction system is an electrical system that controls the rhythm of the heart.
The first implantable pacemaker
Arne Larsson received the first implantable pacemaker and lived even longer than the surgeon who implanted it.
A woman's heart
A woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s by eight beats per minute.
Christmas day
Christmas day is the most common day of the year when heart attacks happen.
Why National Woman's Heart Day is Important
We love women
Women are an integral part of our society and the heart is an integral part of the body. Hence, taking care of a woman's heart is crucial.
The color red
Roses are red, violets are blue. Red is a symbol of love and heart health too. Wear it with confidence, if you like to woo.
It tops the list of priorities
Heart diseases cause the highest number of deaths in both genders. Awareness about it is much lower in women, raising the importance of this day significantly.
National Woman's Heart Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 4 | Friday |
| 2023 | February 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
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