Milwaukee woman shares her journey on National Wear Red Day

It’s all new. At 9 a.m. Sunday morning, the 12th of Wisconsin, and this National Clothes Red Day, we’re helping the American Heart Association raise awareness for heart disease and women. >> It is now the number one cause of murder for women, killing one in five women every year. 12 Zoe Henry talks to survivors about the signs and when to seek help. >> Wearing red on the first Friday of February each year is more than just a fashion statement. For Bridge Benka, it’s personal. >> Since I wore this, you know this is my keepsake with proper care. >> A Milwaukee woman was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart disease in 2019 at age 49. She says her symptoms were mild. >> My hair has started falling out. I was feeling anxious. I was gaining weight and all of that was like, oh, it’s because of your menopause, you’re just out of shape. So I was immediately and outright fired. >> As an oncology nurse. Benson knew something was wrong. >> For women, especially women of color, these symptoms can be telltale signs of heart disease. And if you don’t advocate for yourself, you can easily get fired. >> Her cardiologist, Dr. Noah. Hell, Benson says his experience is common. >> As I said earlier, many of the symptoms, especially in women, are vague. So don’t let anyone blow you off if you feel something is wrong. >> Another key is knowing your risks. >> See your doctor regularly. Get tested for these risk factors we have discussed. Make sure these risk factors are controlled as well as possible. So, if you are a smoker, please stop smoking. If you have diabetes, get it under control. >> Everything. Banska took it to heart. >> I have a genetic disease, but I can’t control my diet. I exercise and lose weight. And I continue on that journey. >> In Milwaukee Zoe Henry Wison 12 News. >> Other cardiovascular disease symptoms specific to women include fatigue, shortness of breath, and more. Also, be sure to contact your doctor if you feel anything unusual.

Milwaukee woman shares her journey on National Wear Red Day

Bridget Benzka, a Milwaukee woman diagnosed with a rare genetic heart disease, shared her story on National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women.

Updated: February 6, 2026, 6:59 PM CST

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National Wear Red Day, celebrated on the first Friday of February, raises awareness of cardiovascular disease in women, which is the leading cause of death for one in five women each year. Milwaukee resident Bridget Benzka shares her journey to highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking help. Benzka was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare genetic heart disease, in 2019 at the age of 49. “I was wearing this because I think you can see that this is a memento of me getting proper treatment,” she said of the scar. Her symptoms were subtle, including hair loss, anxiety, and weight gain, and were initially thought to be caused by menopause and poor health. “So I was immediately and publicly fired,” Benzka said. As an oncology nurse, Benzka knew something was wrong. “And as a woman, especially a woman of color, these symptoms can be telltale signs of heart disease. And if you don’t advocate for yourself, you can easily get fired,” she said. Benzka’s cardiologist, Noah Horositz, emphasized that Benzka’s experience is common. “Like I said, a lot of the symptoms can be vague, especially for women. So don’t do it. If you feel like something isn’t right, don’t let someone blow you off,” Horositz said, advising knowing your risk factors and getting tested regularly. “See your doctor regularly. Get tested for the risk factors that we’ve discussed. Make sure those risk factors are managed as well as possible. So if you’re a smoker, quit smoking. If you have diabetes, get your diabetes under control,” Horositz said. Benzka takes these recommendations to heart. “Even though I have a genetic disease, I can control my diet, exercise, and weight loss, and I’m on that journey,” she said. Other cardiovascular disease symptoms specific to women include fatigue, shortness of breath, and a feeling similar to indigestion. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

MILWAUKEE —

national uniform red dayThe event, observed on the first Friday of February, raises awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women, accounting for one in five women’s deaths each year.

Milwaukee resident Bridget Benzka shares her journey to highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking help. Benzka was diagnosed with a rare genetic heart disease. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy2019, 49 years old.

“I wore this so that people would know that this is a keepsake that I received proper care,” she said of her scar.

Her symptoms were subtle, including hair loss, anxiety, and weight gain, but it was initially thought to be due to menopause and poor health.

“So I was immediately and publicly fired,” Benzka said.

As an oncology nurse, Benzka knew something was wrong.

“And as a woman, especially a woman of color, these symptoms can be telltale signs of heart disease. And if you don’t advocate for yourself, you can easily get fired,” she said.

Benzka’s cardiologist, Dr. Noah Horositz, emphasized that Benzka’s experience is common.

“Like I said, a lot of the symptoms can be vague, especially for women. So don’t do it. If you feel like something isn’t right, don’t let someone blow you off,” Horositz said.

He advised people to know their risk factors and get tested regularly.

“See your doctor regularly. Get tested for the risk factors that we’ve discussed. Make sure those risk factors are managed as well as possible. So if you’re a smoker, quit smoking. If you have diabetes, get your diabetes under control,” Horositz said.

Mr. Benzka takes these recommendations to heart.

“Even though I have a genetic disease, I can control my diet, exercise, and weight loss. And I’m on that journey,” she said.

Other cardiovascular disease symptoms specific to women include fatigue, shortness of breath, and a feeling similar to indigestion. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

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