Our Heart for the Cause: Supporting the American Heart
Association (AHA)

At May Mahjong, we believe in community, connection, and supporting the health of the players who make our business possible. That’s why we are proudly committed to supporting the American Heart Association (AHA) in
their mission to fight heart disease and stroke, focusing especially on women’s
cardiovascular health.

This cause is not just a corporate decision; it is deeply personal to our founders and central to our company's mission.

 A Story Close to Home: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

 One of our founders was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
(PPCM) shortly after the birth of her first and only child. She was
fortunate to survive this life-threatening condition, but the journey revealed
a difficult and often unseen reality for new mothers.

The experience was tragically underscored by the loss of a dear friend who died after going undiagnosed with PPCM following a second pregnancy. This personal connection drives our commitment to increasing awareness and funding for research.

What is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)?

PPCM is a rare form of heart failure that develops in women during the last month of pregnancy or within the first five months after delivery. It is characterized by the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle, leading to a reduction in the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

• Statistically : In the United States, PPCM is estimated to affect between 1 in 1,000 to 4,000 live births.
• Outcome: While many women with PPCM recover, a significant percentage experience long-term morbidity, and sadly, mortality rates can be as high as 7-15% globally. For those who do recover, there is still a risk of recurrence with subsequent pregnancies.

 The Wider Crisis: Women and Heart Health

The challenges facedby PPCM patients reflect a broader, alarming trend in women’s cardiovascular health: undiagnosed and misdiagnosed.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United
States, yet its symptoms are often subtle or "atypical," leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Alarming Statistics:

• Misdiagnosis: Women are far more likely than men to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis following a heart attack, with some studies showing they have a 50% higher chance of being misdiagnosed.
• Symptom Differences: While chest pain is common for both genders, women often report symptoms that can be mistaken for anxiety, indigestion, or stress, such as pain in the jaw, neck, back, or abdomen, along with extreme fatigue.
• Awareness Gap: Despite it being the number one killer, only about half (56%) of U.S. women recognize that heart disease is their top health threat.

By partnering with the American Heart Association, we aim to help close the gender health gap, ensuring more women—especially new and expectant mothers—receive timely diagnosis and life-saving care.

Your purchase at May Mahjong helps us support this vital work. Thank you for helping us play for a greater purpose.