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Supporting women’s heart health

February 01, 2017 | Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, but it doesn’t have to be. Up to 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes,American Heart Association and groundbreaking research is helping those already affected by cardiovascular disease.

Despite this progress, there is still much to be done to raise awareness and funds in support of women’s heart health. This February, CVS Health is making a major commitment to this critical health issue as a new national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement, an annual campaign designed to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke and to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

Raising funds and awareness

Over the next three years, we have pledged to raise $10 million to support life-saving cardiovascular research and education. In addition, Helena Foulkes, President of CVS Pharmacy, has been named as the inaugural National Chair for Go Red For Women.

“I am honored to serve as National Chair for Go Red For Women,” said Foulkes. “We know many of our colleagues, customers and communities have been touched by heart disease and stroke and we are encouraging them to help us inspire action and support the work of the American Heart Association by ‘going red’ and as part of our company’s broader commitment to helping people on their path to better health.”

Free heart health screenings at MinuteClinic

Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cause nearly one in three deaths each year —one every 80 seconds — and there are five key numbers that affect risk for heart disease:

  • Total cholesterol

  • HDL (good) cholesterol

  • Blood pressure

  • Blood sugar

  • Body mass index

To help consumers stay informed, MinuteClinic is offering free “Know Your Numbers” heart screenings at more than 1,100 locations nationwide on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2017).

“Ninety percent of women in the U.S. have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Knowing your personal health numbers helps you and your health care provider better determine your risk for developing future problems,” said Angela Patterson, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, and Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic.