Today is National Wear Red Day: Help bring awareness to heart disease in women The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women helps put the spotlight on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Author: Meg Hambach Updated: 1:46 PM EST February 5, 2021 CLEVELAND — Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, heart disease is still the leading killer of women in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association's newly released 2021 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics. And other recent research suggests that many young women aren't aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. “Experts say the effects of COVID-19 are likely to influence cardiovascular health and mortality rates for many years to come, directly and as a result of increased lifestyle-related risks during and after the pandemic,” said Tracy Behnke, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “It’s really important to take the time during Heart Month to raise awareness and provide education about heart disease. This past year was a year like no other, but we’re still standing. When we come together, there is nothing we can’t achieve.”