Pressconnects - February 9, 2026
People across the country – and throughout the Southern Tier – wore red on Friday, February 6, to raise awareness of heart disease in women as part of National Wear Red Day, a cornerstone of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.
UHS joined the American Heart Association in recognizing the annual event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in the main lobby of the UHS Vestal Salanger Outpatient Center. Red sweaters, dresses, scarves and ties filled the space as staff and community members came together to show support for women’s heart health.
Once thought of primarily as a “man’s disease,” heart disease affects women at nearly the same rate. In the United States, almost as many women as men die from heart disease each year. Despite increased public awareness over the past several decades, only about 56% of women recognize heart disease as the leading cause of death among women. It accounts for roughly one in every five female deaths.
Among women age 20 and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and less than half of women entering pregnancy in the U.S. have good heart health — underscoring the importance of education, prevention and early detection.
Fortunately, many risk factors for heart disease can be addressed. Every woman is encouraged to take the following steps:
- Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider to understand personal risk factors for heart disease.
- Quit smoking. Just one year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease drops by about 50%.
- Stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both.
- Incorporate strength training at least twice a week, after consulting with a healthcare provider.
- Adopt heart-healthy eating habits by choosing nutritious substitutions, healthier snacks, and better cooking methods for the whole family.
While addressing risk factors is critical to reducing your risk for heart disease, it is just as important to be able to recognize the signs of a cardiac emergency. “As with men, the most common heart attack symptom for women is chest pain or discomfort,” said UHS cardiologist Rasha Aurshiya, MD. “However, women are more likely to experience other symptoms that may be less obvious.”
Women should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Prolonged or recurring pressure, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness
If symptoms occur, call 911 and seek emergency care immediately.
Good heart health begins with awareness, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Recognizing symptoms and acting quickly can save lives.
Wear Red Day continues to be one of the most impactful ways to bring national attention to women’s heart health. UHS and the American Heart Association are proud to support this important initiative each year.
To learn more about UHS Heart and Vascular services, click here.