Go Red for Women

Go Red for Women

Go Red for Women is a heart health movement to save women’s lives. It’s a movement not to be ignored. Yet our research shows that more than three quarters of New Zealand women are unaware that heart disease that is their leading cause of death. On average, seven New Zealand women die every day from heart disease, with many more living with its debilitating effects. It kills more women than all cancers combined.

We need to debunk these myths and raise the awareness of heart disease in women so we can stop our families and communities being torn apart prematurely and often unnecessarily. 

Common Myths

• MYTH: Heart disease is an old man’s disease.
• FACT:  More women died of Cardiovascular Disease in 2009 than men. On average almost 100 women die every week from Cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• MYTH: I would know if I was at risk of a heart attack.
• FACT: Often there are no obvious signs of heart disease in women. Risk factors such as a high blood pressure level, a high total cholesterol level, diabetes and a family history often have no symptoms. Don’t let a heart attack be your first sign of heart disease.
• MYTH: More women die of breast cancer.
• FACT: Coronary heart disease kills almost four times as many women as breast cancer.
• Women need to be as vigilant about the health of their hearts as they are about their breasts.

You can more statistics on Women's heart disease here

Love your heart

All too often heart disease symptoms go undetected because New Zealand women spend so much time concerned for the welfare of others. But enough is enough – it’s time to put your heart first so you can be there for your family and friends. These women, just like you, have decided there is more they can do to fulfill their life and the lives of those they love. Do the same. Know your risk of heart disease and take action to reduce your personal risk.

How you can get involved with Go Red for Women

Go Red for Women is a passionate, emotional, social initiative empowering women – our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends – to take charge of their heart health. Your actions do make a difference. Joining the Go Red movement is easy and will help save lives. Ways to get involved:

1. Get informed and spread the word to five of your friends. Talking about heart disease is powerful and vital if we’re going to beat this thing.
2. Share your heart story – tell us your journey of survivorship, struggle and success. You’ll inspire more than you know.
3. Host an event. We can make a difference and have fun while doing it!

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters

This campaign to support Kiwi women would not be possible without the support of some of New Zealand's leading organisations. See who's joined the Go Red movement

Go Red for Women Cardiac Crack Up Come along to Skycity Theatre and have a laugh while supporting the Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women campaign.

Read real life Go Read for Women stories Learn more about how to cope and take up the fight against New Zealand’s biggest killer, Heart Disease, from real Kiwi women

Tell your story Stories inspire. Are there stories you have to tell, truths to pass on, moments to share?

Host your own fundraising event This guide will give you ideas and help you plan your fundraising event for the Heart Foundation.

Women's Heart Disease statistics Worldwide 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year, accounting for a third of all deaths in women.