The Heart Truth

Launched in 2002 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign to inform women about heart disease. The program primarily targets women aged 40 to 60, the time when heart disease risk for women rises, and uses a variety of events to promote awareness. The campaign is accompanied by the Red Dress symbol, a reminder for women to take action against heart disease. Women of color are also at particular risk of heart disease, so the campaign launched an initiative in 2005 to target African American and Hispanic women by partnering with community organizations such as National Latina Health Network, National Coalition of Pastors' Spouses, and The Links, Incorporated.

The Heart Truth aims to inform women about heart disease, particularly women aged 40 to 60 and women of color, who are at higher risk of heart disease.

The Heart Truth has produced numerous PSAs and has hosted a number of events to raise heart disease awareness among women. Since 2003, it has participated in the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with its Red Dress Collection, showcasing red dresses by a number of prestigious designers. In addition, the campaign has successfully disseminated educational information and free heart disease risk screenings through its road shows, collectively touring 25 cities in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009. The Road Show's first year alone reached 70,000 women in five cities. The Heart Truth also displays the First Ladies Red Dress Collection to promote awareness.