The Red Dress Tack Pin

The primary goal of The Heart Truth campaign is to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women. To support this goal, The Heart Truth, campaign launched the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in February 2003. The Red Dress Tack Pin symbolizes the message that "Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear -- It’s the Number 1 Killer of Women." Features a delicate heart accent on red enamel. Approximately ¾" high.

6/25/2008 4:47:45 PM I saw this on the Celestial Seasonings tea boxes, and decided to get one. My wife had cancer at age 25, and it wasn’t until 10 years later that we found out that her lasting fatigue was because the chemo and radiation had caused significant heart damage. This campaign has opened my eyes, and I’m trying to open a lot of others as well.     6/24/2008 12:56:59 PM I just wanted to thank this organization for reaching out to so many women. My Grandmother, whom has been such a wonderful influence in my life, was just diagnosed with CHF. She will need bypass surgery on four of her arteries in the middle of July. I will not be able to be there due to my work schedule but I have ordered this pin to wear on that day, and everyday until she heals, in honor of such a remarkable woman. I’m hoping to order more for my mom and her 4 sisters. Thanks again     6/4/2008 10:57:04 AM My name is Carol. I lost my mother at age 56, she had a massive heart attack, the year was 1979. Since I have a brother who has heart problems and a sister older than myself with heart problems. I am turning 56 this November. I think a lot about my mother and still miss her in my life. I have lived the past couple of years wondering about myself. I have three grown children who love me and want me around a long time. I am trying to get more fit inside and out and encourage my family to do the same. And I purchased 100 dress pins today to give away to others. Awareness is a beginning. God Bless!     3/5/2008 2:48:11 PM Just a thought, women of color are not just African American or Hispanic. I live in Hawaii and the women of color here are native Hawaiians, Samoan, Chinese, Japanese, Marshallese, and more. Are these populations being considered as women of color?     2/17/2008 12:39:43 PM I have not lost any women in my life to heart disease. I did however lose my grandfather. My step-mother complained about neck and shoulder pain for months. Only to find out it lead to a heart attack. Please take care of yourselves and do not let any pain go.     2/1/2008 11:22:29 AM Ladies, please, please listen to your bodies. I had a major heart attack last year and had absolutely NO symptoms. The only thing that alerted me to a problem, is a thought that said "heart attack". I told my husband I didn’t feel good (even though I felt physically fine) and he went to get the car to take me home. However, after he left I asked someone to call 911. They asked me if I was having chest pains and I said yes (even though I was NOT). After the ambulance came, both of my arms started to feel real heavy and uncomfortable. No pain, just discomfort. I was taken to one hospital where the ER doctor told me I was having "the widowmaker", where my LAD was completely blocked and they couldn’t do anything for me. So they put me in another ambulance and took me to High Point Regional where I had a cardiac catheretization and put in three stents. After the heart attack I developed a "fluttering" and then had to have an ICD implanted. My father had died of a massive heart attack at age 38 and my grandfather died at 52 of a heart attack. I have four brothers and always thought that one of them would have the heart attack, not me! Needless to say, my daughters have learned some valuable lessons from their mother. Listen to your body!     1/31/2008 7:38:55 PM On December 22, 2007, I lost my beautiful Mother to heart failure. She peacefully passed in her sleep and for this I am thankful. It has been the worst 1-1/2 months of my life. I had heard about this campaign but wasn’t really sure on the date. Today, from a friend at work, I found out that tomorrow is wear red day. I have been scrambling around trying to make a bulk purchase of the red dress pin to pass out to all my friends at work. It is a little late to receive the pins tomorrow, but I certainly will have them ready for next year and will definitely be wearing red on February 1, 2008 in honor of the most beautiful woman in my life, my Mother, - I LOVE YOU FOREVER MOM!     12/7/2007 3:20:51 PM As a spokesperson for WomenHeart this pin has allowed me to start hundreds of conversations with people across this country on heart disease. This pin has assisted me to help others to become aware of the est 1.8 million people living with congenital defects and the over 8 million women living with heart disease. The only question now is how are you making a difference in the lives of people living with heart disease? Reach out and help someone by starting the conversation with this simple pin.     9/25/2007 3:15:49 AM     6/1/2007 11:37:22 AM     4/8/2007 3:57:09 PM     3/16/2007 2:23:09 PM My red dress pin arrived today. We recently lost our 13 year old daughter to complications of an unidentified heart defect. I had not known about the red dress campaign though my daughter wore a beautiful red velvet dress at her service (how the more fitting I now see). It is important for me to spread a message about heart disease and common stimulant medications such as those to help aid focus in children. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) medicines can be a wonderful benefit, but be aware that the FDA currently advises that these can interact poorly in those with structural defects. Prior to using such medications, it is vital that heart disease be ruled out through specialized tests such as an Echocardigram. If this tip - that I was unaware of - makes a difference in the health of another child, then I will be glad.     3/15/2007 10:31:29 PM I wear my "red dress" every day...I have had several people comment on my winking cat and I explain what it actually is and what it stands for...I wear mine for my mom and my younger sister, both who died from heart attacks.     3/9/2007 6:05:23 PM I am so shocked that I had a heart attack at age 55. I, the person that has never had a fast food burger or anything fried in my life. I grew up eating so heathy and am proud to get up every morning and swim a 1/4 daily. I had quadruple bypass surgery a year and a half ago. It was difficult for me to sit in the waiting room knowing that I had thought I was in the best of health with eating properly and exercising. I did not want to be identified with the people in the waiting room who were smokers and overweight, the typical person you would think would be prone to heart disease. I found out that because of my radiation treatment I had 30 plus years ago, they felt that this contributed to my problem. Funny, I was almost relieved that it wasn’t my diet and that I needed to exercise more. I want everyone to know that each day is more special than the last and look forward to tomorrow. I am feeling terrific. I thank everyone involved for my recovery. I have a new life.     2/16/2007 3:19:43 AM The red dress pin is such a great idea! I work in a very large multi-specialty cardiology group in south Florida and women’s heart awareness is very close to my heart -no pun intended... my mother died very suddenly from an acute full blown anterior wall MI at age 63,no warning sign except anxiety like symptoms that docs brushed off as stress. LADIES WAKE UP... take care of yourselves and do not ignore any symptoms. Many women do not ever survive heart attacks. Be your own best advocate. Be well and take care. Sally F. Plantation,Fl     2/5/2007 10:52:59 AM Encouraging the knowledge of heart awareness! My daughter introduced me to drinking Cestestial Seasonings 100% natural herb tea. It is delicious and I encourage women to drink this instead of sodas which we all know cannot do you any good. My daughter and I have both ordered ourselves a Red Dress Pin and am anxious to begin wearing it. In the meantime I will encourage women to begin becoming knowledgeable in heart disease awareness. I do exercise every day by walking my dog. Of course my dog, Red, loves this special attention. I have turned a room in our home into an exercise fitness room. My husband and I have a stationary bike, basket of weights, small trampoline, hoola hoop, ab lounger and a stayball exercise ball. Our exercise equipment helps my husband and myself to keep fit. Having a room to comfortably work out in is so convenient. No need to pay a high work out gym fee. No need to travel a distance from our home. We love having this room to just simply walk into every day. We have a TV/DVD so while we work out we can watch a movie or television or listen to music. My husband and I work out for 1 hour every day and the time passes fast having the TV/DVD to entertain us while we work out. I encourage anyone who has a spare area in their home to make use of it by purchasing exercise equipment. Also my husband and I both enjoy riding our 10 speed bikes when the weather permits. We both eat lean meat and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Striving to keep ourselves at a healthy weight is a testimony to our friends and family.     2/2/2007 2:13:52 AM 4 days post MI I am 4 days post MI and am anxious, emotional, etc...but happy to be here. At 51 I did not expect this. I am very atypical. Normal HDL and LDL, I weigh 105 lbs, excercise but I did smoke a few cigarettes a week. My symptoms started out as what felt like a gas bubble that got bigger and bigger until I felt incredible pressure. I knew to call 911 immediately and had the wherewithall to take an aspirin before the ambulance arrived. I will proudly wear this pin and encourage others to be supportive.     1/31/2007 3:33:21 PM educate yourself! Last week a friend of mine went into cardiac arrest while undergoing a routine surgical procedure. It was a shock to everyone because she’s in her early 30’s. What could have prevented this? We are still trying to find out. Thank God she’s home with her family now. I will wear my red pin in honor of her and to promote women to educate themselves and what they can do to reduce the risk.     1/31/2007 12:31:45 PM I’m very excited to have this Red Dress pin! I’m new to this site - a friend sent information about wearing red on 2/2/07 - so I checked out the site to see the Red Dress pin. I’ve ordered 25 of them to share with family and friends. I am the Queen Mother of a Red Hat Society chapter of about 10 women over the age of 50 and I’m going to give each lady a pin...and then share with other friends and my family. We have a history of high cholesterol and some high blood pressure so I know this will help us all to remember to be healthier. Thank you for offering this wonderful pin...it will become a piece of jewelry I’ll wear very often!     1/11/2007 3:58:15 PM Heart within your Heart After haveing a heart attack at 39 in 2003, I was so happy to find the Red dress pin, I have given it out and collected several myself. Wearing the pin opens up a great dialogue with many women, a chance to share physical as well as spiritual advice. Blessings to all in Jesus Christ who have survived something like this.     12/11/2006 3:23:04 PM wearing the red dress proudly I contacted the county employees to wear red in honor of my Mom. Almost every employee had on red in February for me. What an honor. I had ordered the red dress pins and went to each office and talked about heart care and gave them a pin. I still see the pin on their badges and feel honored to remember my Mom and hopefully make a difference. Margie Cartwright County of Campbell Va.     12/9/2006 11:56:56 AM Oct 06 WomenHeart Grad Applauds this site One of 57 Oct 67 Grads of WomenHeart /Mayo Clinic Symposium & Scientic program, I proudly wear my red dress pin. I work hard to get the word out about Women and Heart Disease. Great Site.     8/8/2006 7:07:20 PM A Spiritual rememberance I will wear mine proudly and in hope that one day soon-like yesterday-they will find a cure for this horrible disease. I lost my Mother and my best friend a year ago in April and she had fought so hard for so long, until finally she told me she was ready to go home. Mom, I miss you so much-I’m sure everyone feels as I do but will it ever quit hurting???????????? Ta964@aol.com     3/14/2006 2:22:46 AM We still have a long way to go The materials are wonderful and I will wear my pin in memory of my best friend who died Dec. 26th 2005 at 36 of a heart attack. I remembered about this campaign and will carry on for her, my mother who survived her heart attack at 50, and myself. Many rural communities still don’t believe a young woman can have heart disease, as they did not in my healthy friend. We have still much to tell..and much to do.     3/9/2006 4:12:08 PM Hooray for "Sadly Mistaken" It is great to see (hear of) a male wearing the red dress pin. You must be a great guy!     3/3/2006 10:45:27 AM Sadly Mistaken Though I am not a female, I am worried about the effects that this could cause not only in our society but also in our homes. I am proud to wear this pin and to explain to anyone who asks why and for what reason I am wearing this pin.     2/26/2006 12:26:56 PM Mom would’ve loved this! Three years ago today I lost my precious mom to a sudden, massive heart attack; she had no symtoms. I am very aware NOW of the dangers of heart disease to women. I will wear my red dress pin in her memory. And to remind me to take care of my heart!     2/21/2006 12:46:05 PM Wonderful I wear this pin in the name of my mother and myself. Thank you for having this fantastic idea of the red dress.     2/16/2006 11:03:44 PM its a ladies " RED BADGE OF COURAGE!" at age of 19 yrs old i started having "panic attacks" so my gynocologist explained! marked me as anxious and depressed.lol. wow! who’s heard that before?...it continued w a rapid heart rate, uncontrolable cold sweats and tummy pains and shortness of breath... by the time i had my first full blown episode my "then" family doc sent me home by sneaking out back door and said to nurse "tell her its just anxiety!" ashamed and scared, i then went home, five yrs later after many episodes and w them getting longer, i got in my car and drove myself to a larger hospital w a cardiac care unit, walked up to the nurse and short on breath said plzz help me! she hooked me up to a monitor, and was racing w a gurney a minute later to get me on an er bed. my heart rate was a fast 235 beats per minute, and i had lost precious heart mucsle damage time driving further from home. they slowed my heart w dextral to 145 bpm and let me go home later that day. next day my now involved cardialogist said i had too many episodes and my heart was covered in dead muscle tissue. and he wants to go in a kill part of my heart! but he continued to look at me like i was a anxious freak, like the last geniuses had put on my charts. i felt like i had done something wrong. still no heart x-rays were ordered. now when they finally found problem that started whole thing...so they said. i had an extra valve leading into my heart, one doc said. another says its just tachacardia. one says i need heart killed. which is it?? Now my heart stops couple times a day and i can feel my blood pooling in my body! I’m affraid to leave the area where a hospital is! a horrific feeling...and scared? yes very! can u really get small strokes from these? from blood pooling when ur heart stops? i know i am experiencing memory loss now... can anyone let me know if they have similar systems? I would love not to feel alone. as for the pin, god bless you! j.d. indiana     2/15/2006 3:12:02 PM Sharing the blessings I took several of these pins to my 30th college reunion as a way of sharing the blessing that I was a six-year grateful survivor from CABG and two-vessel by-pass surgery!     2/2/2006 6:03:02 PM A gift to celebrate I had no signs of heart disease, nor was it in my family. I ate right,was active, and the right weight. When I was 53yrs. old I was told I would be the first person on the surgery table the next morning. A double bypass, one right on the aorta. I am truly lucky to be alive. It can happen to anyone. My pin was a gift to me two months after surgery. I love it and wear it proudly. Life is a gift. Live it well! Nancy     2/2/2006 2:55:11 PM To err is human; to prevent - devine! I am a registered nurse studying for my nurse practitioner degree. I, too, wear a red dress pin and instruct my female patients about women’s risk for cardiac disease. Just as we instruct women to start having mammograms at 40, we also need to instruct them to have a baseline ECG (EKG) and a lipid panel (at least a cholesterol level) early (at 21, preferably). Talk to your primary care provider about any family member with high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or ANY form of heart disease. And PLEASE, make every effort to remain a good weight. If you are overweight start today to lose the weight. Your heart will thank you. Overweight and obesity will steal years from your life. Eat the right portion of food; foods low in saturated fat and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Try to walk 30 minutes a day every day, drink 8-9 8 oz. glasses of water and get plenty of rest at night. And don’t expect to lose the weight over night. It did not get there overnight! Give your self time and don’t be discouraged! If you lose a pound a week – that is excellent!!! You may not see results right away, but your heart will know the difference! Good luck to all who wrote in their stories. I am 41 years old. I have a grandfather who died from heart disease, and a father who had a heart attack at 40. My cholesterol level is below 200, I exercise 5 days a week and eat three sensible meals a day. I do not smoke, use alcohol sparingly, and do not use other drugs. I cannot change my family history. But I can care for myself to prevent the history from repeating itself in my generation. I think that makes my husband and our four children very happy. Thank you. J.M. Eastern North Carolina     2/1/2006 1:58:18 AM I lost my mom I lost my Mom to heart problems on September 11, 2005. This disease took my best friend, my confidant, my soft place to land.     1/27/2006 4:01:04 PM My family with Heart Disease I am 51 years of age and just found out that I have CHF. My daughter who is 32 years of age has had it for about 8 years. My maternal side of the family including my Grandmother, 3 aunts and 5 great uncles all died of Heart disease. I am happy to see this site and I will be proud to wear "The Red Dress Tac Pin. Thanks for the support.     1/25/2006 11:03:42 AM I bought the pin for me, my sisters, mom & other female relatives. @ work the girls went wild "please order me one"     1/17/2006 7:11:53 PM I wear my red dress pen with great pride Even though I have an older version of the red dress pen, it serves as a reminder to me of what I have gone through. I had rheumatic fever as a child which damaged my mitral valve. I now have an artifical mitral valve, a pacemaker, history of CHF, cardiomyopathy and Atril Fib, but with medications, rest, exercise and eating properly I am able to live a good life. Ladies, please listen to your bodies, don’t hesitate to go to the ER when you have unexplained chest pains. I know from experience!     11/4/2005 2:07:09 PM Shortly after informing my church folks about Women’s Heart Truth, I started having chest pain and learned I had Coronary Artery Disease. I didn’t realize that I should have been discussing my family history with my Dr. Take heed every one! The pin is a wonderful symbol of care and hope. Thank you!     10/19/2005 11:37:13 AM Wear it everyday At age 51 I had quintuple bypass surgery, spent 15 days in hospital - 3 days in ICU prior to surgery to keep me alive and another 8 days in ICU after surgery - to keep me alive. I wear a pin everyday, one on my clothes and one is on the strap of my handbag.     10/10/2005 3:10:51 PM lose I lost my mother in April of 2003. I was an only child of a single mom. A heart attack took my only family away. I wear the pin in the inside of my army uniform everyday next to my heart to remember her. THANK YOU     10/9/2005 5:09:25 PM Red Dress I am 23 years old & my grandmother had a scare with her heart about 2 years ago. We have come to find out that we have heart disease in our family. Since then we all wear our Red Dresses everyday, it means so much to us when we see others wearing them. It’s time people truly realize how serious this condition is to everyone, especially women.     7/9/2005 3:33:49 PM It’s a great idea I’m a 30yr. old mother of seven. I have a family history of heart disease. I also smoke and it’s helped me to have the info I need to survive. The Red Dress Pin is a very important symbol of the truth. THANK YOU     4/6/2005 12:46:24 AM Look for the Bracelet! This is such a cute idea, I have a bracelet with this dress on it and I had no idea that it was to raise awareness of heart disease in women. I purchased the bracelet at Mattie Hill and you should look there if you’re interested. That’s great! I’m going to tell everyone I know about it when they compliment my bracelet from now on.     3/24/2005 4:11:28 PM     3/17/2005 7:06:25 PM Great Idea! I had peripartum and postpartum cardiomyopathy. This is a great way to raise awareness about heart problems.     3/16/2005 6:22:19 PM good idea!!!! I am only 12 and I am writing a report on heart disease and women. I want to get the red dress pins so it will encourage my class to try to do a fund raiser or something to help women.     3/15/2005 5:53:36 PM I enjoy wearing and giving the "Red Dress Pin" From Woman’s Day, I bought 20 of the "Red Dress Pins". I kept one for myself and give them to my lady friends on "Special Occasions". It is a wonderful way to show support. Most people know what the red dress stands for.     3/8/2005 1:09:14 PM I Love This Item I lost my mother suddenly on January 15, 2005 to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. My family and I are beginning to recover from the shock and pain of losing a wonderful woman. I was looking for something to symbolize my concern for women and heart disease and this is just the thing I need.     3/5/2005 8:50:11 PM very honorable I think the First Lady. She is as Nice as Very Pretty. I mean that in a very reseptable way.     2/16/2005 11:24:44 AM Kudos! Something to show Heart Disease Is a Killer I lost my mother on 11/12/89 to an acute myocardial infarction, with no early warning. I know that I have to be careful and I like that others are doing what they can to bring awareness to it. I always wore the bracelets for causes I believe in, now it is time to wear my Red Dress pin with pride in honor of my mother, Emily. God Bless!     2/15/2005 2:49:11 AM WONDERFUL! I’m 28 years old, I had a heart transplant in 2003. This is a great idea. I love the ribbon campain, but this is our own! This is unique, this pin, this stands out! Just like women should! AMEN!     2/13/2005 1:59:49 PM I lost my mother to CHF/Cardiomyopathy I lost my mother July 11, 2001 from CHF/Cardiomyopathy; that was the hardest day I will ever have in my life. It seems that heart problems run in the women in her family, her mother and her sister both passed away from heart problems. It scares me to think that it could pass down to myself or one of my sisters.     2/11/2005 8:00:52 PM I wear the pin most every day to work! A friend bought several of us pins in honor of her mom. I wear mine nearly every day to work. I have gotten lots of comments and have to explain to some, but I don’t mind. I just love it!     2/7/2005 6:00:00 PM wonderful I think that this is a wonderful idea it really catches your eye.     2/7/2005 11:28:30 AM I have CHF, atrial fib, and diabetes. I now have a pacemaker to keep me going. The pin will be a reminder to take my meds, exercise and eat right. My heart goes out to women who have suffered doctor abuse (having a doctor tell you it’s in your head, it’s indigestion, etc.) Get active, ladies. Stand up for your rights and your health.     2/7/2005 9:54:22 AM WONDERFUL IDEA AND BEAUTIFUL PIN!! A male co-worker of mine bought the red dress pin for all 50 female employees in the office!! That was such a wonderful and caring gesture!! The pins are a great way to bring attention to such a deadly disease. It is something people need to be made ever aware of. Thank you for taking the lead on this and thanks again to my co-worker for showing such thoughtfulness.     2/4/2005 9:00:18 PM Good idea I received a pin thru my company(Macy’s) and gave it to a female friend. She loved it!     2/4/2005 2:07:35 PM Daughter had 50% change at age of 2 My daughter went into cardiac arrest at the age of 8 weeks old, spent weeks in ICU, had a heart cath at a year old and surgery at 2 years. She was given a 50% of surviving surgery, if she didn’t have surgery, she wasn’t excepted to live to the age of 5. She just turned 23 and is a beautiful women inside and out. She will be getting a red dress to wear proudly along with her scar from surgery.     2/4/2005 1:43:48 PM What an awesome effort!     2/4/2005 1:43:39 PM What an awesome effort!     2/3/2005 4:00:22 PM I am NOT into wearing pins unless it is a gold or diamond pin BUT the Red Dress Tack Pin I would love to wear. My daughter has a heart condition so the pin is awesome!!!     2/3/2005 9:37:41 AM Thanks For Having a Great Heart This information is a great way to educate individuals about heart disease. Knowledge is the power to cure and prevent this disease. Somebody said "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". SS - Tennessee     2/2/2005 4:09:48 PM It needs improvement. Heart disease can be hereditary, and I too, suffer. I am small, petite, 100 pounds and do not fit society’s profile of a woman with heart disease. I also belong to the national RED HAT LADIES SOCIETY. The red hats, pins, jewelry, books, etc. are overwhelming to the "red dress pin". No one knows what the red dress symbolizes. I’m afraid that no one understands its significance to our cause in educating the public.     2/2/2005 4:09:27 PM It’s absolutely darling!     2/2/2005 3:53:40 PM No one knows what it means. The pin should have something written on it explaining it’s meaning. Or written within the heart...     2/2/2005 10:51:57 AM WOMEN UNITE, BE PROUD AND WEAR YOUR RED PIN DRESS! While at the gym recently I read of your organization in Shape Magazine. I was shocked to learn that heart disease is the #1 killer among women! I’m a healthy 31 year old and don’t know of anyone with heart disease. As of today, I intend to rapidly raise awareness of this deadly disease to everyone I know! I purchased 30 pins to give to friends and family to educate them about heart disease. I expect these pins to provoke questions and spark curiosity among women to learn of the symptoms and risks involved. Women unite and take immediate action to wake up society about this horrible disease! Wear your pins ladies and be proud!     2/1/2005 12:38:33 AM Survivor Comments As a heart attack survivor(who, interestingly enough doesn’t have Coronary Heart Disease!)I applaud this campaign to raise women’s awareness of the importance of heart health for women. I appreciate all the info I receive on breast cancer, but THIS is the biggy for us, and we all need to learn that!!!!     1/28/2005 6:35:50 PM I love it.     1/28/2005 1:11:45 PM This is a great idea This is a great idea for women all acrosss America. It gives hope for breakthroughs that can happen to lower the risk of heart disease. Many women die and it’s nice to the support the cause of so many women who want to help. Katherine     1/28/2005 10:18:42 AM Awareness BeFriending Concern The pin is a very nice way to address a health issue among women and as well to men. Even though it focuses on women, men (fathers brothers etc...) who are genetically related to us have a great risk and concern as well. As people, we should be always aware of heart issues and other health concerns daily. To the one who Posted Message, "That doesn’t look much like a dress to me" Please remember the purpose of this campaign is to make us aware that we need to look at our Health more seriously more than what our eyes see that we judge.     1/26/2005 4:28:47 PM RED IS THE COLOR OF LOVE AND TRUST I have not worn a red dress in years because of my size. BUT, I will be in red on February 4, 2005 to show my support to the heart foundation and to women every where fighting to survive this terrible disease. What is great idea and what a great looking pin! I shall wear red and the heck with anyone who thinks that I look like the broad side of a barn! Together we will make a difference.     1/26/2005 2:11:38 PM A good reminder. It’s a good way to remind yourself to be healthy. Also to be thankful for all the wonderful strong women who are in your life! Jaclyn, MI     1/25/2005 4:15:58 PM Right from the heart! The faculty at the school where I teach are planning to support the “National Wear Red Day” on February 4. A total of 49 red dress pins were ordered and I am now gathering orders for a second shipment. The faculty, family and friends here at our school will wear their Red Dress Pin to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness on February 4!     1/25/2005 3:31:33 PM WONDERFUL IDEA I SAW THE AD FOR THE RED DRESS ON THE 8TH CONTINENT MILK AND THOUGHT I WOULD CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE. I JUST ORDERED 4 PINS FOR MY MOTHER AND MYSELF. MY MOTHER HAS HAD ANGIOPLASTY, STENTS AND JUST RECENTLY QUADRUPLE BYPASS. SHE STILL HAS LOTS OF PROBLEMS AND IS ONLY 57 YEARS OLD. I LOST MY GRANDMOTHER AT THE AGE OF 56 DUE TO HEART PROBLEMS AS WELL.----JEANNETTE IN TEXAS     1/25/2005 2:20:01 PM Pay Attention to Your Symptoms After the 2004 Women’s Heart Health Awareness Campaign in February I was paying special attention to my symptoms. I started to be aware that my fatigue was more than I was used to experiencing with fibromyalgia, my shortness of breath was more than I experienced with my asthma, and the nausea wasn’t related to food or medicine. The symptom that’s most often listed that I bet the doctors hate is feelings of anxiety. Mine wasn’t so much anxiety as that sense of knowing that something isn’t right. I just knew something was not right and I wasn’t taking no for an answer. I made an appointment with my cardiologist. When I told my cardiologist why I was there he said, and I quote, "I’m not concerned about your symptoms." Fortunately the next words out of his mouth were, "...but since we do know that you have some kind of blockage from the stress test that was done two years ago, and considering your family history, I guess we can go ahead and do the angiogram." My family history includes my mother dead at age 65, father dead at 59, brother dead at 49 (having had quadruple bypass at 34), brother with multiple stents, sister with double bypass, and cousins and uncles, etc., with stents, bypasses, deaths, etc. On March 1 the angiogram was done and the cardiologist came in halfway through the procedure and I swear he was doing a tap dance as he said to me, "uh, well, uh, we did, uh, find a 65-75% blockage, in, um, your right coronary, artery, and um, the doctor here at the hospital is going to place a stent in your right coronary artery." Even though I am a support group leader and part-time patient advocate, I was still hesitant about changing doctors, for all the reasons people are hesitant to do so. But I researched the best doctors in the clinic, and am thrilled with the result. So don’t stay with a sub-par doctor. Taking care of ourselves includes seeking the best doctors.     1/25/2005 12:43:45 PM Beautiful! I wear mine every day! I wear my pin everyday in memory of my mother who died of a massive heart attack at age 65. I am convinced had her treatment been tailored for the special needs and symptoms of a black woman, I would have not lost her so soon!     1/22/2005 10:46:20 AM Help Spread the Word! I have purchased red dress pins for most of my family and friends. My Mother and Mother-in-law, both have heart disease and I am hoping the red dress campaign will help other family members be more aware. I am purchasing pins today for my staff as gifts to help spread the word.     1/12/2005 9:28:50 AM I think that this is wonderful and the pin design is awesome!     1/12/2005 3:05:31 AM Way over due for the awareness!!!! I just ordered two pins for my daughter and myself. Had a permanent pacemaker placed. The need to know is so important not only for the physicians but for the public also. I’ll be proud to wear my "Red Dress Tack Pin always."     1/11/2005 2:53:06 PM Great Idea... I ordered a pin last year, and have left it on the lapel of my coat ever since. Sometimes I forget that I have it on, then someone will comment on it. It’s a great way to spread the word on Heart Disease. Hope you’ll pick one up. They are well made, and very becoming.     1/10/2005 2:15:34 PM GOD BLESS YOU I have just recently lost my favorite aunt to heart disease. She had a massive heart attack after years of fighting this disease. I LOVE the Red Dress pin idea. I saw a show on Jane Pauley about this and am so joyful that I got a chance to see it. I now have a way to express my love for my aunt and to fight this dreadful disease. Keep up the good work. Oh, by the way, red is my favorite color, so I will be wearing red a lot. Thank you. Sarah, Jacksonville FL     1/3/2005 1:39:33 AM We Need 2 Become More Aware I am an 18 yr old Arab, and have a family history of heart disease. My mother’s aunt is currently in the hospital after having two heart surgeries within a week. After 25 days in the hospital, the family is still sitting on pins and needles. I have ordered 10 pins for myself and my mom and her sisters and cousins, and hope on helping educate my Arab community more about heart disease and the high risk that women have. I think the pins are great ways to get started, as the pink ribbons are too!!!     12/19/2004 8:55:23 PM GREAT PIN!!! LOVE IT!! I’m giving this pin to every woman I care about! Heart Smart Indiana Girl     12/17/2004 11:34:20 PM HELP SUPPORT WOMEN GO RED In memory of Joan I believe this pin is a great thing. When I was 23 only 4 years ago, I lost my mother to a heart attack. She died that night and I will never forget it. I’m going to wear my pin everyday to let women know to remember my mom and spread the word about heart disease and women. I don’t want someone else to experience the pain and suffering that my family and I have had to deal with. ROSEMARIE < FLORIDA IN MEMORY OF JOAN     12/8/2004 7:24:06 PM Be Aware!! My mother was only 37 years old when she died. Cause of death, Coronary Heart Disease. Most women don’t know that heart disease is the number one killer in women. So let’s wear our pins and hope people ask us what they are for so more people can become aware --Kriss Pa     11/25/2004 9:55:14 AM Simply AWESOME!!!!! I think that the red dress pin serves as a reminder to women everywhere about healthy heart awareness and the importance of having a healthy heart. Thank you Mrs. Bush for your continued support and awareness. ~Jenni, NC     11/14/2004 6:34:58 PM Thank you so much for doing this and making people aware. I just recently lost my sister at 48 years of age to a massive heart attack, she died instantly. Heart disease runs in my family and I believe this will help make people aware. I will be purchasing 25 and handing them out.     11/14/2004 3:45:43 AM Wish there were more varity Love my pin, gave one to my younger sister. Our Mother and older sister died of heart problems, so this pin was espcially meaningful to me. Just wish it came in link bracelet charms and so on. Also, easier to get them if sold at Target, WalMart or drugstores. They are a wonderful meaningful reminder of the ones we love, and why we lost them. Wanda from Texas     10/13/2004 5:48:39 PM great conversation piece This is a great way to engage others in conversations about women’s heart health.     10/1/2004 7:15:44 AM everyone wants one! I am an Occupational Health RN & ordered several of your products for the office, including the Red Dress Pin. I ordered an extra one for the daughter of my co-worker; also an RN, who recently had a heart attack(age 38). We plan to support the campaign in a big way this year at work & in the community. Today I am now ordering a dozen more!! It’s been a great conversation opener to spread the word about heart disease.     9/7/2004 6:24:43 PM a little red helping "hand" This is a fantastic idea. I learned about this web site through the White House web page. I am so excited to see this and can’t wait to recieve my little red heartfilled dress!     8/4/2004 11:39:04 AM Excellent This is an excellent idea and as a long standing AHA member and a faculty in the School of Public Health in Houston, TX, I’ll do everything to promote the pin. I also suggest that you involve one of the major cosmetic companies to promote the pin (like Estee Lauder is doing for breast cancer with the now famous pink pin).     8/4/2004 11:36:20 AM mpanies to support     8/4/2004 10:24:42 AM Great Awarness These pins are great to wear and share. I plan on giving them to my family and close friends as Christmas presents. As a 40+ year old woman who recently had open heart surgery, I too have become aware of heart disease and its effect. Ann in Atlanta Sann310@aol.com     8/4/2004 7:24:45 AM Very powerful and thought provoking This message and the pin give rise to the need for women to be more proactive in their health care, protecting their hearts and health through a healthier life style, but most importantly it gives rise to the need for early medical attention and intervention should the medical provider detect a problem when women are seen and found to have health problems. They should refer them for follow up in a timely manner and provide health care for all women and not just certain races.     8/3/2004 9:48:14 PM Much Better than the Last Pin I ordered the last red dress pin and everyone told me it looked like an "ice skate"! This pin is much more recognizable as a dress. I am ordering one of these...as long as people notice, I don’t mind to explain!     7/28/2004 9:07:53 AM "More designs" I have two different styles of the red dress pins that I have collected. I understand there are more. It would be nice if you would put on the internet how to order them, and we can support in "STYLE"     7/28/2004 9:05:06 AM SUPER AWARENESS I work at a medical facility. A drug rep brought these pins in and being one with a heart condition too loved these pins. I wear mine proudly along with others from organizations that I support. Everyone I meet always comments on my pins and I tell them, the next time I see them they are wearing a red dress pin now.     7/13/2004 8:57:58 PM Sparks Awareness! I am a medical student, and I proudly wear my red dress pin on my white coat when I see patients. I am always asked what it symbolizes and why I wear it. What a great way to spark a conversation about women and heart disease! Keri - Ann Arbor, MI     7/3/2004 2:31:22 AM absolutley beautiful I am a 40 year old women, I went to the hospital with pains and expected to be told they were stress pains. 3 days later I had 5 stents placed and then 1 one day later I had 2 stents placed. I am so happy there is a place for us women to go and read up on this disease inflicting so many of our precious beautiful women. I can’t wait to get my new pin, my 1st red dress disappeared and I am heart broken. I will wear it proudly.     6/26/2004 7:17:31 PM wonderful program I only recently became aware of the program. After my heart attack my "sister" gave me a pin. What a great idea! I have given away several, they are really pretty and get people’s attention. I wear mine all the time. Thank you, Joan/Michigan     6/26/2004 2:35:24 PM EXCELLENT!!!!!! I am 59 - had a massive heart attack on April 1 of this year - I have 4 stents - and a new lease on life - eating right, exercise and keeping a position attitude and Thank God for the wonderful doctors and nurses during my hospital stay - The little red dresses are an excellent way to keep the heart in focus for the world to see!!!     6/26/2004 2:34:24 PM EXCELLENT!!!!!! I am 59 - had a massive heart attack on April 1 of this year - I have 4 stents - and a new lease on life - eating right, exercise and keeping a positive attitude and Thank God for the wonderful doctors and nurses during my hospital stay - The little red dresses are an excellent way to keep the heart in focus for the world to see!!!     6/1/2004 2:34:44 PM I love it! I am so glad I ordered my pin. I am a 36 year old heart paitient. I couldn’t believe it when it happened to me. I’m not suppose to have a heart attack at my age. This is something someone much older should be going through. Well heart disease doesn’t know about age. I know that now. I’ve also learned a lot about this disease. Thank you for having so much information out there for everyone to read. Learn everything you can because, "knowledge is power!" Angelica Naranjo, Ca.     5/24/2004 10:29:20 PM Absolutely Wonderful I recieved the pin from a pharmaceutical representive, he explained what it was. Ever since then I have worn it with pride as a nurse at St. Joseph’s in Atlanta. I have had numerous patients ask me what the pin was for. We order them a bunch at a time and put them in a bucket at the desk and pass them out. I think every woman in America should have one and have the idea explained to her. Thanks so much for launching this study.     5/14/2004 1:47:17 PM close to home I first saw the heart truth poster in my local Sav-on. I went on the net and looked it up. I was surprised to learn about the different symptoms woman have and that you can have a heart attack and not even know it! I am only 20 years old and I am having problems with my heart. This cause really hit close to home. I hope that I will get asked about the pin when I am on campus. This pin will remind me to take care of myself, as well as my sisters and mother. Thanks for helping women, of all ages, learn the truth about heart health.     5/3/2004 2:52:03 PM right on time I am very happy to have found this pin. At 28 I am taking beta-blockers and taking various tests to get to the bottom of my symptoms of rapid heart rates and shortness of breath on a daily basic. There is a lot of information on-line regarding women’s heart health. When I receive this pin I will wear it proudly for future hope and in memory of my grandmother who died from heart diease in 2000...stay stong women!!!!     4/23/2004 8:41:31 AM Great reminder for women - they notice jewelry I ordered 10 to pass out to all my immediate girlfriends and Beauty Consultants for Mary Kay. We need to make women aware of taking care of ourselves - not just others. Take time to pamper yourself everyday - 5 minutes for a foot soak or 1 hour for a bubble bath.     4/4/2004 10:16:04 PM gret idea awsome I WILL WEAR MY PIN EVERYDAY AND WILL BUY ONE FOR MY SISTERS TO WEAR SINCE I DO HAVE CHF AND WANT MY SISTER TO BE AWARE THAT HEART DISEASE DOES NOT CARE NOR RESPECT ANYONE ESPECIALLY WOMEN. THANK YOU. WISH I WOULD OF KNOWN ABOUT THIS EARLIER.     3/27/2004 7:55:54 PM Great reminder and pretty too! Saw this in one of my "lady" magazines. Heart problems run in my family, so I ordered one for myself, sister, mother, 4 brother’s wives, and some special friends! Thanks     3/27/2004 2:44:53 AM I wear my pin proudly I was misdiagnosed by 2 doctors as having acid reflux. I had all the typical symptoms, chest pain, pain in back and left arm, pain in jaw. 3 days later went to emergency having a heart attack. PLEASE NEVER IGNORE WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT     3/24/2004 2:10:58 PM GET THE MESSAGE OUT ANY WAY YOU CAN! Include what it is about with at least a small logo or something so it does more than just look like a cute pin for your adornment. Also, why not a black suit with a kerchief showing the same cute little heart. My husband had a heart attack 1 1/2 years ago and lost 30% of his heart muscle. Devasted his value of life, although much better than dead! Better info needed to people to monitor CORRECTLY to prevent these catastrophes! Wife in Ohio.     3/21/2004 12:09:43 PM Nice change I received my new version of the pin yesterday. A very nice improvement, the first one looked nothing like a dress.     3/19/2004 9:12:37 AM Love the pin Obtained pins for my mother, sisters, niece, and myself. They make a wonderful addition to any outfit. We have been receiving all kinds of compliments and wish to extend them to you. Thanks for making others aware...     3/14/2004 8:49:16 PM Great gift idea to give to women friends The pin is beautiful!! I volunteer at Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital and bought 20 to give to some of my friends. I wear my pin on my uniform and have received many comments from staff and customers in our gift shop. Do you sell to gift shops? I would love to be able to give them to everyone but can’t afford it. THANK YOU!!     2/27/2004 11:38:09 PM Thanks for the attention for women In 2000, I fainted and fell hitting the back of my head on concrete driveway. I spent 43 days in ICU care. It wasn’t until 2001 I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation. This has been a problem for me since. Thanks so much for taking action to bring attention to this health problem for women!!!!     2/27/2004 3:24:53 PM A great reminder to all women My mom just died as a result of severe heart damage by a suspected "silent heart attack". We need to get the message to women that this is not only a man’s disease and symptoms are not always obvious. I am certainly becoming "heart aware".     2/25/2004 7:47:24 PM I am a 29 year old female who has been having some very serious and scary heart problems, until then I never knew there was so much information about the #1 killer in women. THANK YOU for the great pin it’s a constant reminder to be HEART SMART. Olga NV     2/23/2004 10:06:17 AM Great re-design of the "dress" I bought 1 dozen pins shortly after I had quadruple bypass at 51! I have just ordered 5 newly designed pins so the questions about "the boot" will stop. I hope no one stops asking what the significance is, though. I am a living example of "if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone". I am not overweight, not a smoker, don’t eat meat or cheese, exercise and good cholesterol levels. Thank God they diagnosed me during a routine physical exam!     2/19/2004 9:00:54 PM As a nurse of 40 years I will wear my pin with the hope that many women will ask about it. My own mother had heart disease and the doctors waited until she was so bad that they could not do any thing to help her, bypass surgery was just too dangerous for her at that point. But if they had jumped in sooner maybe she would be alive today.     2/19/2004 8:25:30 AM A VERY important message brought to light I am a former cardiac nurse, now an emergency room nurse, and have seen many women come in complaining of vague symptoms of chest discomfort, pain in the neck and jaw. Thankfully, my hospital has taken to heart (pardon the pun) the fact that women have heart attacks too. We take complaints of chest pain from ANYONE very seriously, and have set a goal of "door to EKG in less than 10 minutes." Fortunately, the last two actual MI’s were caught w/in 8 minutes of entering our ER. One of those was a woman. Keep up the good work, with spreading the news. I wear my red dress pin proudly, and have shared them with some of the nurses I work with who taught me a lot about heart disease. Kitty L., RN, Louisville, KY     2/16/2004 12:00:38 PM COULD’NT SAY IT BETTER     2/10/2004 1:51:03 PM They look great- very good idea     2/10/2004 9:50:17 AM NOW WE WILL LEARN THE REST OF THE STORY. I WAS WATCHING A PROGRAM THAT I USUALLY DO NOT WATCH, AND VANESSA WILLIAMS WAS TALKING ABOUT WOMEN AND HEART PROBLEMS. THAT IS HOW I BECAME AWARE OF THIS WEB SITE. I HAD NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT IT PRIOR TO THIS SHOW. THANK YOU VANESSA WILLIAMS AND THIS SITE.     2/8/2004 8:59:23 PM I am a surviver of heart failure I am so glad someone is making the women aware of their heart. We need to let the world know there is someone out there who cares. The red dress will make them ask questions.     2/7/2004 6:19:20 PM My Badge of Honor When I was 35, I went to the e.r. with chest pain that radiated down my left arm. I was told that I was too young to have heart problems and was sent home. I continued to have chest pain over the years and 10 years later, before surgery, I was told that after examining my ekg I had suffered a heart attack several years before. I was angry and relieved at the same time but I wonder how many other women have gone to their Dr.s and had their symptoms dismissed? I will order this pin,wear it with pride and if someone should ask me what it represents,I will gladly tell them.     2/7/2004 11:59:04 AM Cardiomyopithy Congesstive Heart Failure I just placed an order for 5 of the Red Dress Pins-one for myself and the other 4 for my 4 sisters that I love very much. We lost our Mother to a heart disease named Cardiomyopathy Congestive Heart Failure. She was 39 yrs. of age when she lost her life to this destructive, unforgiving and hereditary disease. My oldest sister, who is just 44 yrs. old, is currently on a heart transplant list. She has almost lost her life to this incurable heart disease several times. We all will wear the red dress pins in her honor, as she continues to fight for her life with the utmost courage, silent strenghth, and her unwillingness to give in to this deadly disease.     2/6/2004 10:18:30 PM EXCELLENT WAY TO SPREAD THE NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Working as a cardiac sonographer, I come in contact with many woman with heart disease. I am so excited to become a part of your campaign of awareness in addressing this issue. I plan on helping to spead the news at Johns Hopkins Hospital. We can help to change the future of heart disease in women.     2/6/2004 2:12:35 PM What a Wonderful Reminder My Mother, a cancer survivor, passed away 1 year ago today. Her favorite color was red, her name, Rose, and she had an unparalled zest for life and people. She passed away of Congestive Heart Failure, which was the end result of her Coronary Artery Disease. To me, today is a great way to celebrate her memory. Thank you for bringing this awful thief of the lives of so many women to the forefront of awareness in society. Knowledge truly is a powerful weapon!     2/6/2004 10:29:20 AM The pin is great -- but the campaign is fantastic! From concept to campaign tools -- this outstanding project is well-developed and can be used quickly at the local level. There is immediate appeal in the concise message and the red color. Bi-lingual material is a big PLUS. Community health providers, such as family planning clincs, can easily adapt all the components and spin off local activities. EXCELLENT IN ALL ASPECTS!     2/6/2004 7:03:45 AM Please be heart smart, this is a great remender. My Mom died very suddenly of a heart attack this past July. It has brought a lot of sorrow to our family, and also has made us more aware of our own hearts. We have made our own red dress pins and passed them out to our friends and family to wear on Feb. 6.     2/5/2004 11:39:28 PM Heart to Heart I was 49 years old when I had a heart attack, followed with a triple by-pass. Bad hearts run on the male sides of my family. My grandmother’s heart is what was called a "mushy" heart and could not be operated. In 2003, my 85 year old mother had a silent massive heart attack. Her sister died of a massive heart attack and had just gone to the doctor’s for a physical. It was undetected. I have three sisters and they are all fine. My surgery was in 1996. The doctors were not familiar with women having open heart surgery. I have a "male" scar which is not very pretty. I will be wearing red on February 6th. Peggy Parker Cleveland Heights, OH     2/5/2004 5:51:41 PM Campaign kickoff with the First Lady We look forward to wearing our "red dresses" after Laura Bush visited St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia this week. She was an inspiration to all who were priviledged to attend. Spread the word!     2/5/2004 2:26:33 PM Great concept..... All dressed up and without a healthly heart you won’t go very far. Take care, in and out.     2/5/2004 2:10:05 PM A perfect way to remember those who have passed. In 2002 my mom passed away from heart disease. She had her first heart attack at the age of 53 and her second at 55, from which she died. This pin is a perfect little way to remember those who have suffered from heart disease and to make women aware that the disease does exist and women are being taken from us everyday because of it. This beautiful pin is a special way for me to honor my best friend; my mom.     2/5/2004 10:48:49 AM THANK YOU! ! ! As a cardiacsonographer, heart ultrasound, wearing this pin lets my clients know that heart health is EVERYONE’S responsibility. Remember ladies it’s not just a MAN’S disease any more. Susan Weiss     2/5/2004 9:14:02 AM Woman with a Great Heart and Healthy My mother at age 72 has always been a very healthy and active woman. On 10-23-03 she was suffering from a recurrent bout of Reflux and heartburn. These discomforts had occurred over a period of two years or more. After medication for her GI distress was noted not to be working she realized she was having difficulty breathing and painful neck and shoulder pressure. I rushed her to a hospital were we told she was having an MI. Thank God all is well now. She had an a stent placed the very next day. She was home to her busy schedule in 4 days. She is loved and appreciated by her husband, children, and grandchildren. We will wear our pin proudly.     2/4/2004 10:51:09 PM absolutely wonderful I am ordering these pins for my ladies in our United Methodist Church group as well as for the ladies I work with @ Talbot’s Kids. It is so important to make women aware that Heart Attack not Cancer is the # one killer.     2/4/2004 6:26:07 PM One-Year Anniversary Hooray! What a wonderful idea! On Valentine’s Day last year (My daughter’s idea)I had valve replacement surgery (much to my surprise). On Friday I WILL be wearing red. Also, there is a Swarovski red dress (swarovski.com) available.     2/3/2004 11:31:00 PM This is FANTASTIC ! Thank you for bringing awareness to women’s heart disease. When I had my heart attack at 39 the doctors in emergency kept saying it couldn’t possibly be my heart because 1) I was too young and 2) I was a women and women didn’t have heart attacks and despite a terrifying family history of heart disease. I am now 49 and have learned to take care of myself and am doing well. I continuously meet women who still think breast cancer is the #1 killer of women. We have got to wake up the country! Keep up the good work. I will wear read on February 6. KAW in Lubbock     2/3/2004 11:13:39 AM It is simply ravishing!!!!     2/2/2004 11:26:56 AM Great Idea     2/1/2004 1:08:02 AM Please get more pins in.     1/31/2004 4:53:23 PM I teach high school health and the mother of one of my students, who is 15, passed away in August at the age of 40 with a heart attack. She had no symptoms or family history. My sister had bought me a pin and I passed it along to my student upon her mother’s death. We have raised enough money for an automated external defibrillator and the bank she worked for also donated one so our school has 2 on campus. We are making homemade red dress pins to sell to our students and faculty and will send the proceeds to the American Heart Association. Thanks for the great article and the awareness that is long overdue for the #1 killer. PH in Alabama     1/28/2004 4:37:09 PM This is the best thing that happened. I’m 55 yrs old and have CAD & Type 2 diabetes. I wear this pin in honor of all women who have heart disease. Let’s let the world know that heart disease is not just for men. We need to educate and promote awareness to others regarding this dreadful disease. Women need to take action!!     1/25/2004 1:29:19 PM     1/24/2004 12:10:35 PM Another way to get the word out. Information you provided about the failure to recognize heart attack symptoms saved my life. I had no pain but nausea, fatigue,and a dull ache in my back which prompted me to call 911. I had a massive heart attack at the age of 47. I will wear the red dress pin proudly to help get the word spread.     1/23/2004 11:48:32 AM I love the color Red! Grandmother, Father I found out about this by reading an article in the Women’s Day magazine at the hair salon. Thank you for bringing this awareness or at least trying to, Front And Center! My grandmother (who adopted me) had her first heart attack at 28, but following doctors orders (she was an RN) she lived to the age of 82. My father had his first heart attack at 39 and did not follow doctors orders nor learn enough from his mother (my grandmother) and died at 48. Thank you again. I will be ordering pins and forwarding this information on to my many girlfriends!     1/20/2004 7:18:55 PM A beautiful way to remind me I am surviving CAD I plan to use this pin as a conversation piece about heart disease and as a reminder that I have to take care of my heart with diet and exercise. What a pretty way to do it.     1/17/2004 1:31:07 AM Very nice     1/16/2004 3:53:53 PM Pin reminds me to take care of myself I am only in my mid 20s and was diagnosed with a heart problem a few months after my 20th birthday. I have an extremely high stress job and this pin is a great daily reminder for me to take care of myself so that I can live a long and healthy life.     1/15/2004 3:04:03 AM Spread the word I didn’t think it could happen to me. After years of ignoring my high blood pressure, I went to the doctor when I had shortness of breath upon exertion and extreme tiredness. She gave me pills for high blood pressure. I went back two weeks later because there was no improvement - was given a higher dosage. Three weeks later I had a heart attack - I had an angioplasty with 3 stents put in in April. In August I had another angioplasty, in November another angioplasty with another stent put in. If it happens again, Ill be looking at bypass surgery. I don’t think that women are diagnosed soon enough. I feel my family practice doctor did not react quickly enough to my symtoms. I encourage women to watch your diet and blood pressure and please do not let a doctor put you off if you don’t have the "classic" heart attack symtoms. Be aware of what the symtoms are for women so you don’t ignore them if it happens to you.     1/9/2004 9:39:37 AM Great idea, love my pin My daughter gave me my red dress pin for Christmas. I was very happy. Too many people don’t know what it is or what it stands for though. I was really surprised that the first tme I wore it people actually didn’t know what it was, or what it stood for. I educated about 5 people that morning! I wear it every day!     1/2/2004 4:15:56 PM Our entire office wears the pin with pride We will all wear the pin on our lab jackets like we wear our pink ribbon pins. Women’s health is too important to ignore any longer!     12/19/2003 5:08:00 PM Great Pin I bought 9 pins and gave to my friends to remind them to be heart smart. They loved them. I did have one person say it looked like a bird. What do they know.     12/19/2003 7:02:20 AM     12/10/2003 6:07:52 PM Grandmother, mother, and daughter I read about the Red Dress pin in Glamour while at the gym. As soon as I was done with my workout I ran to the locker room to find a pen and write down the information. The next day I ordered one for every friend or family member that came to mind. You see I’ve always know that heart disease was in my family. But I hadn’t even been born yet when it took by grandmother, her sister, and brother. So it didn’t hit home until 7 years ago. My mother had been feeling bad for months. Her doctor kept doing tests. She even had gallbladder surgery for stones they found from all the tests. Still 8 months later she didn’t have the breath to walk 1 block. Finally out of her persistance, her doctor sent her for a stress test. She was checked into the hospital the next day to undergo by-pass surgery. The cardiologist and surgeon where shocked she hadn’t had a massive coronery, but where convinced the could save her. And that they did. She celebrated her 57th birthday 4 days after the surgery. Thank you for the Heart Truth program. May it wake up every doctor, spouse, parent, and child to the seriousness of heart disease among the world’s female population. It’s not just a man’s disease.     12/9/2003 10:45:02 AM Heart disease can strike at any age I was 35 when I had my first heart attack - never had a problem before then. A year and a half later I had a quadruple bypass. I stayed healthy until 1997, when, at age 47, I had a second heart attack and second (triple) bypass. My lungs and heart were so full of fluid that the surgery was done on a Monday -- and my chest couldn’t be closed until Thursday! I wound up with Congestive Heart Failure which is being treated with lots of medication. Eat right, exercise... but most importantly DON’T SMOKE!     12/2/2003 9:40:00 AM I came upon your organization’s ad in a Family Circle magazine. I come from a family with a long history of heart disease. My grandfather, father and uncle all died at the age of 53 of massive coronaries. We also have a family history of high blood pressure, which several of my sisters and I have. I am pleased to know there is an organization that helps women realize the risks of heart disease.     11/21/2003 12:46:34 PM afsldhf     11/5/2003 1:05:17 PM My Sister My Best Friend My sister is awaiting a heart transplant. She inherited a fatal heart disease known as cardiomyopathy cogestive heart failure. There is no cure for this horrible curse of heart disease. We lost our Mother at age 39, a Grandmother, 4 Aunts, two first cousins and an uncle. There are 4 other sisters in my family, and so far, none of the rest of us has been diagnosed with the heart disease. I am ordering the red dress pins for all five of us girls as a constant reminder to see our family doctor at least once a year. (My sister) currently wears a pacemaker and defibrillator. Soon, she will undergo a heart transplant. Her family and friends are having a Benefit to raise money to help cover medical costs and frequent trips to the hospital...Thank you for your concern and I wish everyone everywhere suffering from heart disease a long healthy life with a cure.     11/2/2003 5:56:36 PM I became painfully aware of heart problems when I had severe chest pains one day at work. I dismissed the pain after it went away, but went to my doctor a few days later. He sent me to a cardio group for a stress test. It turns out that I had two blockages(90% and 95%). Two stents were placed in my arteries. I then started asking questions about my family. It turns out my uncle’s death at 47 was not a fluke, but part of my family history. It turns out that many of my father’s family(cousins,uncles) died of heart disease. I am the first woman to have heart problems in the family. This all with a good heart diet and 12 years of a physical job-walking a 7 mile mail route. Last year I had chest pains and went in for a stress test and found 4 more blockages. I had to wait for the new coated stents because I have a secondary blood problem. I feel that I am lucky in that I have good doctors and there is now more research into womans’ heart problems. Linda R.     10/26/2003 5:47:09 PM I saw this pin 4 days after having angioplasty. I am only 50 and just had a stent in my coronary artery. It was over 90% closed. I hope this will make women more aware of the risks so they will get treated before something bad happens. I knew my cholesterol was high and I had a family history, but I thought I was too young. I was wrong.     10/22/2003 2:03:26 PM A Life Saver I have significant family history of heart disease, but have been put off by dr’s. This program is a GREAT way of getting the information out to the dr’s and public, that women do and are having heart problems.     10/10/2003 11:22:54 AM 5 stars So many women are unaware of their risk of heart disease. As a cardiology nurse I am happy to finally see more attention being placed on educating the public. However, there is a lot more work to be done to bring awareness to the public.     10/9/2003 4:45:54 PM Girls unite My girlfriend who recently had heart surgery sent your red dress site to me. I ordered two...one for my daughter who is a nurse and cared for babies with cardiac problems for years..then the elderly. She will be proud to wear the Red Dress and so will I for my friend. I pray they have her problem corrected. I hope the Red Dress will catch on big time.     10/9/2003 8:16:41 AM great idea , heart smart pin ordered 6 pins, giving one to my cardiologist and to friends who have heart related problems. thank you     10/9/2003 8:14:11 AM     9/12/2003 7:27:28 PM awesome!! This is a great reminder to take care of our heart and our overall health! Every woman needs one!!     9/8/2003 4:14:24 PM This is my daily reminder! I did not know that I had any kind of a heart problem until March 2003. I went for a stress test and the next thing I knew I was in the hospital for a triple by-pass. I do need a visual reminder to stay on top of my eating habits and to remind me to exercise. This pin is a great reminder!     7/14/2003 7:10:05 PM IT ISGREAT I love the red dress pin. I ordered 2 of them and my Husband told me he would wear one to make other men know that their wives or girlfriends are at risk for heart disease. I am so proud of this project. Heidi WomenHeart Support Newtwork Coordinator in Jacksonville, Florida     6/28/2003 10:18:43 AM Wonderful idea !! I just wish I could get some pins, I have been bugging Walmart since April when I read that they were going to have these pins for sale. I have had two heart attacks, I was lucky that I made it to 65 before this happened , I have been involved with many fund raisers for the AHA for forty years and we were so happy to hear about the pins, Please help !     6/3/2003 3:41:29 PM One Pin Worth 1000 Words? Gave Red Dress Pins to two nurse friends to wear on their lab coats. Hope the Pins provoke questions from their patients.     5/14/2003 1:42:19 PM Doesn’t look much like a dress to me.     5/13/2003 4:34:20 PM Red-Dress Pin This pin is really cute and well made. It supports a worthy cause so all you women out there should consider purchasing this pin!! GO WOMEN!     5/11/2003 10:45:26 PM The need to know and to show - with a red dress Heart disease is a killer in my family. They only live to be in their early fifties. I have by-passed that by 18 years. How many times I went to E.R. with severe chest pain etc., only to be asked what did I get myself so upset about and sent home. To make a very long story short I ended up having two open hearts and numerous other problems because of my getting myself upset. It now makes me chuckle. The doctors did not and still do not at times listen to women. So ladies put your foot down HARD when you have chest pain nausa or anything else that is not right with you. I had to learn the hard way. And I want to wear a red dress so I will be asked what the pin represents, as I do with my pink ribbon.     5/11/2003 2:22:56 PM ACCESS WOULDN’T AN 800 OR SIMILAR TELEPHONE NUMBER ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO RESPOND TO THE CAMPAIGN?     5/11/2003 11:50:51 AM It’s about Time !!!!!!! Thank you for bringing women’s heart disease to everyone’s attention. Our symptoms are so different that we fail to recognize them until it’s too late. I’ll wear my pin proudly and so will my three sisters who all have heart disease. Keep up the good work.     5/10/2003 7:34:05 AM wonderful reminder to be "heart smart" Women and heart disease need to come to the attention of the public. I will wear my pin proudly to my job as a nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I hope to get many questions about my red dress pin!! JAN Baltimore, md     5/10/2003 7:31:32 AM wonderful reminder to be "heart smart"

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