(Vienna, 02 February 2026) Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, accounting for around 37 per cent of deaths – both in Austria and worldwide. Nevertheless, the risks, symptoms and progression of the disease in women are still underestimated. The Medical University of Vienna is therefore participating in the #GoRed campaign and drawing attention to women-specific aspects of heart health.
The majority of cardiovascular diseases in women could be prevented. Five modifiable risk factors – obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking – are responsible for more than half of these diseases. It is particularly relevant that diabetes and obesity increase cardiovascular risk more in women than in men. High blood pressure is considered the strongest single risk factor and increases the risk in women by about 30 per cent.
"We now know very clearly that prevention must be approached differently in women than in men," says Alexandra Kautzky-Willer, metabolism expert and gender medicine specialist at the Medical University of Vienna. "Early detection of diabetes, consistent blood pressure and lipid control, and lifestyle measures have a particularly high preventive effect in women."
Life stages with particular risk
Women go through stages of life with specific cardiovascular risks. Menstrual disorders or infertility can be indicators of increased risk even at a young age. Pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes are considered early markers of a lifelong increased cardiovascular risk and require targeted follow-up care. Early menopause is also a significant risk factor. "These gender-specific risk factors must be systematically recorded and taken seriously," emphasises Kautzky-Willer. "They offer a great opportunity to prevent cardiovascular disease in women at an early stage."
Mental health and cardiovascular disease
Another key aspect is the close link between mental health and cardiovascular disease in women. Stress, depression and anxiety disorders have a measurable impact on cardiovascular risk. Studies show that women respond to chronic stress with stronger inflammatory reactions and changes in vascular function. Psychosocial interventions and stress reduction as part of a multifactorial risk reduction programme can significantly lower the risk of mortality in women with heart disease.
"The heart and mental health are particularly closely linked in women," says Kautzky-Willer. "That's why we need a holistic approach that takes mental stress into account as well as classic medical risk factors."
More research and more awareness
Women continue to be underrepresented in clinical studies and are more likely to experience misdiagnosis or delays in emergency treatment. Alexandra Kautzky-Willer is committed to more gender-sensitive research, improved diagnostics and greater consideration of women-specific symptoms in medical guidelines. With their involvement in #GoRed, the experts want to help raise awareness of women's heart health among the general public and improve the long-term care of female patients.
About #GoRed Austria
#GoRed Austria is an Austria-wide awareness campaign that focuses on women's heart health and provides information about gender-specific risks, symptoms and prevention. The aim is to raise awareness, motivate people to take active steps to improve their heart health and change the public perception of cardiovascular disease in women. The initiative includes information services, high-profile campaigns and the annual Go Red Day (6 February 2026), when people wear red clothing or accessories to make a visible statement. The campaign was initiated by experts from the fields of medicine, communication and health organisations. Alexandra Kautzky-Willer and her MedUni Vienna colleagues Jolanta Siller-Matula (cardiology) and Daniel Zimpfer (cardiac and thoracic aortic surgery) are members of the medical advisory board. https://gored.at/