Do you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States? It’s true. Heart disease claims the lives of women every minute of every day.
For me, this is a startling fact. So much emphasis is put on women and cancer that I think heart disease is overlooked. I’d like to share information, courtesy of the American Heart Association.
Every February, the American Heart Association launches its “Go Red for Women” campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness so women everywhere can learn about this disease and ways to prevent it. In addition, with increased awareness, more research can be done to help women battle and survive this disease.
Heart Disease In Women Can Be Different Than Men’s
We’re dispelling the vast amount of misinformation about heart disease and its symptoms in women. For example, heart attack symptoms in women can be different than what men experience. Chest pain is often not a symptom for women, but jaw pain can be. Heart disease does not spare the young. It does not discriminate based on age, and in combination with lifestyle, overall health and whether or not it runs in your family, these factors can work together to raise your risk. While you can’t change things like age and family history, the good news is that even modest changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your heart health and lower your risk by as much as 80 percent.
If you’re wondering how to get involved in the “Go Red for Women” campaign, there are many ways to do so. A very simple yet effective way to join the fight is to be a part of the American Heart Association- sponsored event, National Wear Red Day®, scheduled this year on Friday, February 5.
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