Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, and new projections indicate that nearly 6 in 10 U.S. women will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to the American Heart Association. In response, women's college basketball coaches are uniting through the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Hearts on the Court Collective to raise awareness, educate women about their risks, and encourage them to seek care and support. The initiative, led by LSU women's basketball Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey, brings together coaches from across the country to use their platforms throughout the season to reach fans, student-athletes, families, and communities with lifesaving health information.
"Too many women still face gaps in awareness, diagnosis, treatment and lifesaving care for cardiovascular disease," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged women to listen to their bodies, understand their risks, seek care when something does not feel right and advocate for the care they deserve." The Collective amplifies that message by leveraging trusted coaches and mentors to deliver health and hope to more women everywhere. The coaches will share messages grounded in Life's Essential 8 for Women, which includes knowing and managing key health numbers, eating a healthy dietary pattern, moving more, avoiding tobacco and nicotine, getting healthy sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight. They will also highlight how cardiovascular health can be affected by risk factors across life stages, including adolescence, midlife, pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.
"The women in our lives give so much of themselves every day, and they deserve the knowledge and support to protect their health," said Kim Mulkey, national chair of the Hearts on the Court Collective. "Coaches understand the value of preparation, teamwork and taking action before the pressure is on. By coming together again, this Collective can help women know their risks, make heart-healthy choices and speak up for the care they need." The 2026-27 Collective includes coaches from prominent programs such as the University of Oklahoma, University of Tennessee, UCLA, Baylor University, University of Notre Dame, University of Iowa, and many others. Their participation underscores the broad commitment to improving women's cardiovascular health.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable, making the Collective's awareness efforts critical. The initiative is part of the Association's Go Red for Women movement, which is committed to addressing gaps in cardiovascular health awareness and care while meeting the needs of women in every age, stage, and season of life. Women can learn their risks, find health resources, and take action at GoRedforWomen.org. For more information on cardiovascular disease, visit heart.org, and to learn about stroke, visit stroke.org. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
