The American Heart Association announced today the formation of the Hearts on the Court Collective, a new initiative that brings together 19 NCAA women's college basketball head coaches to combat cardiovascular disease in women. Led by Louisiana State University hall of fame coach Kim Mulkey, the collective aims to leverage the influence of these coaches to educate fans, peers, and student athletes about heart health, according to a press release.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming more than 440,000 lives annually, the American Heart Association reports. The Association's Go Red for Women movement has worked for over two decades to address this issue, but gaps remain in awareness and care. "Women are often misdiagnosed and undertreated when it comes to cardiovascular disease," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, in the release. "These influential women's NCAA basketball coaches joining the new Hearts on the Court Collective are helping us to amplify this message."
The collective will launch a series of public service announcements throughout the women's college basketball season, focusing on the Association's Life's Essential 8™ for Women. These include knowing key health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar; embracing healthy eating; moving more; abstaining from tobacco; and getting quality sleep. The coaches will also highlight how life stages like pregnancy and menopause affect cardiovascular risk.
Mulkey emphasized the personal importance of the initiative. "I know firsthand how important heart health is," she said. "By coming together to highlight the ways that heart disease can be prevented, we are working to champion women's health and empower the next generation." The collective includes coaches from top programs such as UCLA, UNC, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others.
Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of all people in the U.S., including women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. The American Heart Association notes that approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes and education. Yet nearly 45% of women over 20 have some form of the disease, and only about half are aware it is their greatest health threat.
The Go Red for Women movement provides resources and education at GoRedforWomen.org. The new collective represents a strategic effort to reach women through sports, a powerful cultural platform, to drive awareness and action against a largely preventable disease.
