The facts are clear. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and the No. 1 killer of women. It kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.

Unfortunately, heart disease isn’t always easy to identify. The condition is often silent, hidden and misunderstood. For example, it is commonly thought of as a man’s disease. Or, as an older woman’s disease.

Common risk factors for a heart attack are smoking, high-stress lifestyles and obesity.

READ: What Every Black Woman Should Know About Heart Disease

The month of February is American Heart Month, and Feb. 5 is National Wear Red Day, as a part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign to raise awareness about the risks of heart disease for women.

“This is our call to action for awareness – for men, women and children,” said Tiffany Travis, senior director of communications for the AHA. “The major thing for us is women realizing that is the No.1 health problem in America, and it is not a man’s disease.”

Wondering how you can get involved and help stop heart disease from impacting your community?

• Wear red on Feb. 5 to help raise awareness about heart disease.
• Help educate yourself, your family and your friends about the facts about women and heart disease.

Black Women & Heart Disease: Essential Stats You Need To Know

READ: Myths About Black Women & Heart Disease

• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African American women.
• Of African American women ages 20 and older, 46.9 percent have cardiovascular disease
• Only 1 in 5 African American women thinks she is personally at risk.
• Nearly 50 percent of African American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
• Only 43 percent of African American knows that heart disease is their greatest health risk.

Join the conversation and share this story