February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health. For the Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) community, it carries even greater meaning this year as we proudly recognize the American Heart Association as our Nonprofit of the Year.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, yet it often goes unrecognized and underaddressed — much like the unique challenges women face in business. Just as WIRLC champions female leadership, equity and opportunity in the workplace, Heart Month reminds us to champion women’s health, too. Protecting women’s hearts ensures they can continue leading, innovating and shaping our communities.

Here are some critical facts about women and heart disease, provided by the Association:

  • Cardiovascular disease kills one in three women each year, more than all forms of cancer combined.
  • Only 44 percent of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
  • Nearly 45 percent of women age 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
  • Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms, accounting for over one-third of maternal deaths. Black women experience the highest maternal mortality rates.
  • During pregnancy, having conditions like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes significantly increase a woman’s risk of future cardiovascular disease. Overall, 10 percent to 20 percent of women will experience a health issue during pregnancy.
  • Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age, making it vital for all women to understand their personal risk factors and family history. Women also experience unique life events that can impact their risk, including pregnancy and menopause. Stress can also impact health, making it important to focus on both physical and mental well-being.
  • Menopause is a pivotal life stage when cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making heart health in midlife critical.
  • Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart, and managing blood pressure.
  • Women make up 51.9 percent of deaths caused by high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, and out of all women, 57.6 percent of Black females have hypertension, more than any other race or ethnicity.
  • Stroke affects millions of women, with women representing approximately 57.6 percent of total stroke deaths. Women are also often less likely to receive bystander CPR due to fears of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or causing injury.
  • Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields and research. While women occupy nearly half of all U.S. jobs (48 percent), they hold only 27 percent of STEM roles. Furthermore, only 38 percent of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials are women.
  • Losing even one woman to cardiovascular disease is too many.

Much like the work we do to empower women in retail — breaking barriers, advancing careers, and supporting one another — understanding, preventing and addressing heart disease is about empowerment, knowledge and taking action. This Heart Month, we encourage every woman in our community to know her numbers, understand her risks, and prioritize her heart. Together with the Association, we can make a difference in our health, our workplaces, and our lives.