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SUNY Downstate Goes Red to Support Woman's Cardiovascular Health

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Feb 4, 2022

SUNY Downstate celebrates Go Red for Women Day

Today is National Red Day. Also known as Go Red for Women Day, the campaign started in 2004 by the American Heart Association promotes awareness of cardiovascular disease in women. Nationwide, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 301,280 women in 2019—or about one in every five women.

Heart disease was once thought of as a man’s disease. Now, healthcare providers understand that women are at equal risk as they age. A November 2020 Circulation Journal Report revealed that women face a 20 percent increased risk of developing heart failure. In comparison to men, they often die within five years after their first severe heart attack. Additionally, women were more likely than men to be older and have more complicated medical histories at the time of their heart attacks.

Yesterday, I proudly joined an enthusiastic group of SUNY Downstate students, faculty, and staff for photos to acknowledge the day’s significance.

Physical Therapy Program Department Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Joanne Katz, PT, DPT, Ph.D., describes her family’s history with cardiovascular disease and how she takes care of her heart health.

Downstate’s Cardiology Department is committed to increasing efforts to educate all patients—particularly women—about their risk for heart disease. In fact, in underserved communities—predominantly communities of color—too few women realize their increased risk. In addition, not enough of them are discussing heart disease with their doctors.

We must continue to have conversations about cardiovascular disease in women and what it means to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. I wish you all good heart health.