Stars Shine for Women’s Heart Health at the 2026 Red Dress Collection Concert

The American Heart Association officially kicked off American Heart Month with the 2026 Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert, blending fashion, music and advocacy to highlight a critical health message: Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women.

Held Jan. 29 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City and hosted by award-winning actor Laura Linney, the annual event featured musical performances by Amy Grant and Nicole Scherzinger while bringing together celebrities, designers and advocates to raise awareness about women’s cardiovascular health.

The Red Dress Collection Concert, founded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s The Heart Truth program, celebrates progress in women’s heart health research while supporting efforts to improve prevention, education and treatment.

The urgency behind the message remains significant. Nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and fewer than half of women entering pregnancy in the United States have optimal cardiovascular health. Women also face unique risk factors during life stages such as pregnancy and menopause, which can increase cardiovascular disease risk.

Personal Stories Drive Awareness

For many attendees, the cause is deeply personal.

Actor Edie Falco shared that heart disease awareness resonates closely with her own life experiences.

“There’s a lot of heart disease in my family, and people I adore are suffering with it,” Falco said. “I care a great deal about [bringing attention to it].”

Influencer and comedian Elyse Myers also highlighted how heart health advocacy connects to her family’s story. Myers shared that her son was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a congenital heart condition involving a hole in the heart.

She described how education, particularly CPR training, can empower families and communities.

“It‘s been really cool to learn how to go into the world and feel really confident that I can help save somebody’s life.… It’s really empowering,” Myers said, noting how training sessions help prepare people to respond to cardiac emergencies.

Fashion designer Christian Siriano emphasized the importance of community support and creative collaboration in raising awareness. He noted the significance of designers working alongside advocates and honorees, including Selma Blair and Laura Linney, to celebrate women’s resilience and elevate heart health messaging.

National Wear Red Day Encourages Action

National Wear Red Day, observed Feb. 6, encourages individuals to wear red to support women’s heart health awareness and spark conversations about prevention and early detection.

Health care experts emphasize that awareness alone is not enough. Understanding personal risk factors and taking proactive steps toward heart health can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Why Heart Health Awareness Matters for Women

Although heart disease is often perceived as a men’s health issue, research consistently shows that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Symptoms can also present differently in women compared with men, sometimes delaying diagnosis or treatment.

Women may experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea or back or jaw pain rather than the classic chest pain typically associated with heart attacks. Hormonal changes, pregnancy-related complications, autoimmune conditions and menopause can all influence cardiovascular risk.

Events like the Red Dress Collection Concert aim to close awareness gaps and encourage women to prioritize heart health across every stage of life.

Quick Heart Health Tips for Women

• Know your numbers: Regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar and body weight. These measurements provide important insight into cardiovascular risk.
• Prioritize physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Activities like walking, cycling or swimming can improve heart health and overall wellness.
• Manage stress and mental health: Chronic stress and anxiety can impact heart health. Mindfulness, therapy, social connection and adequate sleep can support emotional and cardiovascular wellness.
• Recognize life stage risks: Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can increase long-term heart disease risk. Menopause-related hormonal changes can also affect cardiovascular health.
• Don’t ignore symptoms: Unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness or unexplained pain should be evaluated by a health care provider.
• Learn CPR: As highlighted by event participants, CPR training can empower individuals to respond during cardiac emergencies and potentially save lives.

Looking Ahead

The Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert continues to highlight how education, community support and research advancements are transforming cardiovascular care for women. By combining personal storytelling with medical awareness, the event reinforces a growing movement encouraging women to advocate for their health and recognize that heart disease prevention begins with knowledge and action.

As American Heart Month continues, initiatives like National Wear Red Day serve as reminders that raising awareness can inspire lifesaving change — not only for individuals, but for families and communities nationwide.