FEBRUARY: Go Red for Women Month
In celebration of women, February is Heart Health Month! According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One American will have a coronary event every 25 seconds and someone will die each minute. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the conditions that put you at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack
Most persons experiencing a heart attack notice chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes, or seems to fade in and out. People describe it as an uncomfortable pressure and some experience pain. Shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in one’s arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach are all signs that something may be wrong.
Other Heart Diseases and Conditions
There are other conditions that can affect one’s heart. These include arrhythmia, heart failure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Risk factors associated with heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Check out the American Heart Association for a full list of risk factors associated with heart disease.
Women and Heart Disease
Heart disease is often considered a condition that affects mostly men. While it is the leading cause of death in America, almost 50% are accounted for in women. A second misconception is that heart disease is a concern for women over 65 years and older. We were actually surprised to learn that it is the third leading cause of death in women between the ages of 25 and 44. It is also the second leading cause of death in women between the ages of 45 and 64.
What Can We Do?
WISEWOMAN (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) is a program created by the CDC that focuses on providing access to preventive health services. The organization was created for women of low income or for those without insurance. The program targets women between the ages of 40-64 and provides them with services and resources. Visit WISEWOMAN for more information about the services they offer and program locations.
Go Red for Women is a program created by the American Heart Association. Its goal is to education women and men nationwide about the importance of healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Visit Go Red for Women for more information about this program.
For more information about heart disease in women, contact your local physician or visit CDC’s section on Women and Heart Disease Prevention.
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