Pregnancy can strain the heart and worsen existing problems, often going undetected for years.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women and the American Heart Association is raising awareness during American Heart Month.

A lot of people were wearing red on Friday for “National Wear Red Day,” an annual event to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans.

Friday is National Wear Red Day, an annual event to raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.

The American Heart Association is rallying Metro Detroiters to wear red Friday (Feb. 4) to raise awareness about the dangers of heart disease for women.

Here are key messages on heart health for women from the American Heart Association.

DETROIT – Last year, hundreds of women across Metro Detroit came out to celebrate the 16th annual Detroit Go Red for Women Luncheon at Little Caesars Arena. Like everything during the coronavirus pandemic, the 17th annual Detroit Go Red for Women Luncheon will be very different, but organizers said that’s a good thing. READ: Complete Heart Month coverageThe 2021 Detroit Go Red for Women Digital Experience will support the fight to end heart disease and stroke. The week-long event culminates in the titular Go Red for Women Luncheon Digital Experience at noon, Feb. 26. Go Red for Women Luncheon Digital Experience Noon to 1 p.m.

TROY, Mich. – The Friday of February is National Wear Red Day -- an annual effort from the American Heart Association to raise awareness of heart risks. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. READ: #GoRedForWomen: National Wear Red Day raises awareness of heart healthTroy-resident Kristy Sidlar was young and athletic when her first symptom hit. So I will ultimately be on the heart transplant list.”READ: Complete Heart Month coverageSidlar wants women of all ages to understand that heart disease is their problem too. While many women with heart problems do experience chest pain or discomfort, there are also many who do not.

DETROIT – Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. According to the association’s newly released 2021 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, heart disease kills one woman approximately every 80 seconds. The association is calling on women to spread awareness about cardiac health on Friday, which is National Wear Red Day. Women and men are encouraged to “wear red and give” as part of the Go Red For Women movement. READ: Complete Heart Month coverageWe’re now seeing cardiovascular disease affecting younger women, and women from Black and Hispanic communities are disproportionately impacted by heart disease and stroke.