TampaVA Invites Veteran Community to “Go Red” Friday the 7th to Support Heart Health

The first Friday of February is “National Wear Red Day” in support of saving women’s lives. VA and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” have partnered since 2012 to raise awareness nationwide.

By Rachelle Smith, Public Affairs Specialist

February 6, 2025

February has long been associated with hearts and love due to Valentines Day each year.

However, February also belongs to the anatomically correct heart and its health. American Heart Month is observed this month, and the first Friday is “National Wear Red Day” in support of saving women’s lives. VA and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women have partnered since 2012 to raise awareness nationwide.

Cardiovascular disease, which includes strokes, is the number one killer of women. Affecting half of women from ages 20 and older, cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. Women Veterans are no exception.

“Heart health month and promoting awareness became personal for me recently, because my husband, who has no family history of heart related illness suffered an unprovoked heart attack two years ago,” said Ashley Sard, Women Veterans program support assistant. “For the most part, he was a healthy 43-year-old man. Since then, my family and I practice living healthier lifestyles, and spread the word about heart disease to other Veterans.”

Risk factors such as age, lifestyle habits and other conditions affect men and women differently. Aspects of health, including smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity and stress raise the risk of a heart attack more in women than in men. Women are more likely to than men to have heart attacks that are not caused by coronary artery disease, making it more difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose heart attacks in women. Women also experience more health problems after having a heart attack then men.

Women Veterans’ risk for developing heart disease increases two to five years after separating from the military. In addition to the traditional risk factors, mental health concerns, like PTSD and depression and experiences of trauma, including military sexual trauma, can contribute.

Heart attack symptoms also differ by gender. Both men and women who have a heart attack often have chest pain, but women are more likely to have additional symptoms, including:

Pain in the shoulder, back or arm
Shortness of breath
Unusual tiredness and weakness
Upset stomach
Anxiety

It’s typically unexpected that all these symptoms can happen together with or without chest pain. This leads women not recognizing that they are having a heart attack, and not getting emergency treatment immediately. This is why that women have a higher risk of serious health problems after a heart attack occurs.

“It’s important to recognize that women often experience different cardiovascular symptoms than men, such as nausea or fatigue,” Dr. Dana Glenn, women’s health medical director. “Understanding these signs is vital for early prevention and treatment.”

Many instances of cardiovascular disease are preventable through education and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “National Wear Red Day” is observed Friday, February 7, 2025, to educate women about cardiovascular health, prevention of heart disease and stroke.

Call 911 right away if experiencing these signs and symptoms of heart attack:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

If you are experiencing these signs and symptoms of stroke, also call 911 immediately:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If experiencing these symptoms, dial 911 immediately, and follow the operator’s instructions. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Share your address with the operator and say, “I think I’m having a heart attack.”

“In the event of a heart attack, every second is critical,” said Glenn. “Immediate action can save lives, so be informed about the signs and act swiftly if you suspect someone is having a heart attack.”

Heart disease can best be prevented by education and a healthy lifestyle, with activities like:

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and weight
Completing around 3 hours of exercise per week
Keeping conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure well-controlled
Managing your stress levels and practicing self-care
Getting to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake

All Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for cardiovascular risk assessments, prevention services and treatment. TampaVA patients can talk to their primary care provider about tools available to prevent and manage heart disease.

“Wearing red isn’t just a fashion statement. It symbolizes the importance of educating yourself and those around you about heart health,” said Glenn. “By spreading awareness, you empower your community to prioritize cardiovascular wellness.”

To learn more about signs and symptoms of both heart attack and stroke, visit: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/-/media/GRFW-Files/About-Heart-Disease-in-Women/Know_Warning_Signs_Infographic_English.pdf\

or watch this informative video by the Veteran Health Administration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPsTiSNzmEQ

To learn more about “National Wear Red Day”, visit: goredforwomen.org

To read the second volume of the State of Cardiovascular Health in Women Veterans for a more complete picture of the prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease risk factors, conditions and procedures in Women Veterans using VHA compiled in 2017, visit: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/docs/State-of-Cardiovascular-Health-in-Women-Veterans-v2.pdf

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