Upstate Medical Professor Leads Movement to Improve Women’s Heart Health

(Photo Courtesy of the American Heart Association)

Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of women. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Dr. Alyson McGregor, associate dean of faculty affairs and development at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. She is serving as the 2025-2026 volunteer chair for the Upstate Go Red for Women® movement. Go Red for Women is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.

“I’m thrilled to take on the role of Go Red for Women chair here in the Upstate,” said McGregor. “Heart disease touches so many of us, and too often women don’t realize they’re at risk. I’m eager to help spread the word, boost awareness, and make it easier for women to take charge of their heart health — because when women know more, we can do more.”

Dr. McGregor will play a critical role in women’s health by leading the Upstate’s volunteer executive leadership team, a group of 15 women representing a range of industries and organizations across the community. This team will collectively work to drive fundraising and awareness efforts through local events and initiatives.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and continues to be women’s greatest health threat. According to the American Heart Association, as women grow and change so does their risk for CVD. Unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect that risk. The good news is the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Through Go Red for Women, the Association calls on all women to take charge of their health and encourage other women to do the same. Because when it comes to their health, women have the best resource: they have each other.

This year’s Upstate Go Red for Women campaign will focus on amplifying awareness and funding for maternal health, mental well-being and women’s health research in the Upstate community. In addition to the annual Upstate Go Red for Women Luncheon, the group will host networking events throughout the year. Soon the second annual STEM Goes Red event will be held, inviting over 100 middle school girls to take part in engaging workshops, hands-on education opportunities, and a robust STEM fair. This year’s STEM Goes Red event is locally sponsored by AFL Global.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. McGregor’s unwavering passion and commitment to the Go Red for Women movement,” said Dr. Julie Smart, American Heart Association Upstate volunteer board chair and associate dean and professor of graduate studies at Anderson University. “She leads by example in her dedication to women’s health, and I know she will continue to make a significant impact on our community through this role.”

Joining Dr. McGregor in a volunteer leadership role is Redhype Creative Marketing Agency founder and president Marie Limnios, who will serve as chair for the movement’s Circle of Red® giving society. As the Go Red for Women Circle of Red chair, Limnios will lead local recruitment and engagement efforts to help drive support of the Association.

Go Red for Women is a global movement with impact across the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world. This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on May 1, 2026, at the 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information contact the Upstate team at ahaupstate@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/upstategored.