Central Valley unites around leading cause of death in women

FRESNO, CALIF, April 16, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women [1] , yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is championing women’s health through the Go Red for Women ® movement. Today the Central Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon empowered over 240 attendees to learn about women’s heart health and support lifesaving research, education and advocacy. The program honored survivors, celebrated advancements in heart and brain health and raised funds to continue to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women. During the luncheon program, the story of Central Valley resident, Alexandria Cordova, was shared. Cordova was born with multiple congenital heart defects and underwent open heart surgery at two weeks old. Today Cordova is doing well and her story illustrates the power of scientific research and the importance of Go Red for Women’s work to advocate for women’s heart health and donate funds to help close the gap in care and support. Nearly half of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. [2] Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can affect their risk. [3] Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in cardiovascular research. “Cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer of women, and events like this play a vital role in changing that reality,” said Cynthia Cervantes, Central Valley Go Red for Women chair and Anthem Blue Cross clinical quality director. “When women are informed and supported, they can take charge of their heart and brain health. Together we can ensure no one walks this path alone.” Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. To make a donation to support the Go Red for Women movement in the Central Valley visit heart.org/CentralValleyGoRed . Additional resources: Multimedia is available on the right side of this release 2026 Stats Update – Fact Sheet Females and CVD (PDF) ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In the Central Valley, find the American Heart Association at heart.org/NorthernCalifornia or on Facebook , X and Instagram . About Go Red for Women® The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721). For Media Inquiries: Amber Moak, 253-240-3302, amber.moak@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org [1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001139#core-R1-1 [2] https://professional.heart.org/-/media/phd-files-2/science-news/2/2025-heart-and-stroke-stat-update/factsheets/2025-stats-update-fact-sheet-women-and-cvd.pdf [3] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001124 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001212 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000912