SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate observed Wear Red Day at the Capitol Wednesday to raise awareness for women’s heart health.

“A lack of adequate funding, research and testing in health care has left women particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, which is too often fatal,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wear Red Day is part of a critical effort to raise awareness about this issue, inform women about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, and save lives by promoting early detection and preventative treatment.”

February was made American Heart Month for the first time in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and National Wear Red Day was first established in 2002 to emphasize the prevalence of heart disease and stroke particularly in women. 

The American Heart Association supports Wear Red Day to expand public consciousness about cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women in the United States, according to the CDC. As part of the Wear Red Campaign, the American Heart Association promotes learning the signs of heart disease and stroke in women and learning CPR in order to better support women with heart conditions. 

According to the National Institute of Health, nearly 500,000 women die of cardiovascular disease every year, and the condition remains under-diagnosed and undertreated in women overall.

The Illinois Senate is dedicated to promoting equity in care and bringing awareness and advocacy to women’s heart health issues.