GoRedforWomen

Anjellica Davis is a part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women 2027 Class of Survivors. To learn more about her story: spr.ly/6018B6nmhw

It wasn’t “baby weight.” In the emergency room two months after giving birth to her third son, Anjellica Davis learned her struggles like a heaviness on her chest and shortness of breath were fluid in her heart from postpartum cardiomyopathy, a rare form of heart failure that can happen after childbirth. She had never heard of the condition and was assured that it would improve with a proper diet and exercise. After months of treatment and her best efforts, her health worsened. That November, she was added to the transplant list and had a donor heart days later. Now 37, Anjellica is studying to be a nurse and advocates for women to research, ask questions and make heart health a priority.

The American Heart Association is accepting applications for the Go Red for Women 2027 Class of Survivors this June. Stay tuned for more information.

The American Heart Association is building a community of survivors and rescuers to raise awareness of CPR. Share your story and help grow the Nation of Lifesavers. spr.ly/6189B6JSSl

Next time you’re in a stressful situation, try box breathing. This mindful breathing technique can help you stay focused and alert, but calm. 👉 Inhale through the nose for four counts. 👉 Hold your breath for four more. 👉 Exhale through the mouth for four. 👉 Hold for four more.

Today, we know that even a brisk walk can make a world of difference for heart health and mental clarity. Plus, studies show that pets are good for your health! Your dog is more than just your furry companion — they can help you build healthy exercise habits that go the distance. More resources to help you get moving : spr.ly/6015B6ppaf Learn about the benefit of pets: spr.ly/6019B6ppah

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Alongside @preeclampsia, we’re championing a unified system to identify and treat preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy – because postpartum risk doesn’t end when a new mom leaves the hospital.

Sports rivalries? Fierce. Sitting through tournament? Not so healthy. Here are a few smart ways to watch college hoops, even if your bracket ends up busted. spr.ly/6013B6psqL spr.ly/6010B6psqa

To learn more about adult congenital heart disease and the guideline, visit spr.ly/6017h9bOL.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your care team about mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or thinking or memory problems. There are safe and effective treatments that can help.

Mental health support is an essential part of overall care for adults living with congenital heart disease.

Suspect a stroke? Check the time! Ischemic strokes – the most common type of stroke – are caused by a blood clot, which can be removed … if you know what time your symptoms began. Know the signs of a stroke and check the clock to ensure you get the right treatment and have the best chance at recovery.

Stephanie Austin is a part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women 2026 Class of Survivors. To learn more about her, visit spr.ly/6011B6rg2W.

At 35, Stephanie Austin was at her peak—playing on multiple soccer teams, lifting weights, raising two kids and serving as PTA president. All of it on a heart already weakened by cardiomyopathy. One morning, her husband Matt woke to hear her gasping for breath. She didn’t respond when he called her name. Her face was blue. Stephanie had gone into sudden cardiac arrest. Matt started CPR until paramedics arrived and shocked her heart back into rhythm. She was airlifted to Philadelphia for advanced care, where doctors used hypothermic therapy to protect her brain. When she woke, she was confused, slurring her words and unable to recognize her family. She spent two weeks in the hospital and went home with an ICD and pacemaker. Recovery was grueling. She slept up to 18 hours a day while living with heart failure. “All I could do was maintain myself,” she said. “I can't be a mom. I can't be a wife. I can't be a friend, a sister or anything else. All I can do is keep myself alive. And there's a lot of guilt that came with that.” Stephanie never gave up. “When you've almost lost everything, you can do more than you realize you can do,” said Stephanie, now 52. “That power can mean the difference between life and death.” She later learned heart disease ran in her family. Her older son was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at 19 and now also has an ICD and pacemaker. Her younger son is monitored closely. After getting over her fear of learning new things in the face of her memory loss, Stephanie became CPR certified and found a new purpose, training others to save lives as hers had been saved. “What constantly amazes me is that people don't realize how simple it can be and how impactful it can be,” she said. “I can think of few things worse than watching someone suffer and not being empowered to help.” Hands-Only CPR has two simple steps: 1. Call 911. 2. Push hard and fast at the center of the chest, 100-120 compressions per-minute, until help arrives.

Acting F.A.S.T. may save a life. 😕 Face Drooping 💪 Arm Weakness 💬 Speech Difficulty 📞 Time to Call 911 When you spot one of these stroke warning signs, call 911 right away.

POV: You let the Gen Z intern take a stab at your stroke awareness graphics.... This isn't quite what we meant by F.A.S.T, but whatever gets you to the ER. New guidelines on ischemic stroke (those caused by a blood clot in the brain) stress getting to the hospital quickly and knowing when symptoms started. Knowing the time helps your medical team pick the most effective treatment, giving you the best chance for recovery.

These are who became survivors who share their stories to inspire women to take care of their hearts.

The American Heart Association is accepting applications for the Go Red for Women 2027 Class of Survivors this June. Stay tuned for more information.

Join the Nation of Lifesavers by sharing your CPR story. Send in a simple, 1-minute video about why CPR matters to you and help us raise awareness. Survivors and rescuers are welcome to submit.  Submit your video before March 31: spr.ly/6189B6JSSl

When every second counts, ensuring schools are ready to respond to cardiac emergencies can make a lifesaving difference. Cardiac arrest survivor Charlotte and her mom, Rachel, share why Congress must fund the HEARTS Act. ⬇️ 📣 Make your voice heard. Text HEART to 46839.