In celebration of American Heart Month, the American Heart Association (AHA) has created a campaign called “Go Red for Women” to raise awareness about the importance of cardiac health in the female population. While both males and females must pay attention to their heart to stay in top shape, there are some anatomical differences that place women at a higher risk of getting heart disease.
Here is why you should join in and wear red on February 6th:
One in three women die of heart disease every year
This staggering statistic means that every minute a woman dies due to cardiac disease. Conditions such as atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks all contribute to heart-disease-related death. If you wear red on Feb. 6th, you are joining a movement to encourage awareness about the importance of managing your cardiac health.
There are many heart disease myths
Did you know that women of any age can get heart disease? Even women in their twenties can have cardiac conditions. Many people mistakenly think that men are more susceptible. Birth control medications combined with smoking can increase your risk of heart disease by as much as 20 percent. Young people can develop high blood pressure and other conditions too. This is why it’s a good idea to live a healthy lifestyle starting when you’re young. Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising will help prevent you from becoming a part of the one-in-three statistic.
No symptoms doesn’t mean there’s no problem
The AHA noted that 64 percent of women who pass away suddenly because of coronary diseases never exhibited symptoms. While strokes and heart attacks may have more clear symptoms that you notice immediately, such as chest pain or bodily numbness, conditions like high blood pressure often go unnoticed. To gain insight into your cardiac health, talk with your doctor about your family history of heart disease.
The National Institutes of Health created a list of ways to prevent heart failure. It includes avoiding illegal drugs, quitting smoking, eating heart-healthy foods, being physically active and working toward a weight that is healthy for your body type. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained that limiting alcohol can prevent high blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure checked at a local drugstore that features the arm cuff testing device. These steps can improve your overall heart health and make you less likely to experience cardiac disease.
Going Red increases awareness
If multiple people wear red on one day in one place, such as an office or even your home, someone is likely to notice and ask about your motivation. You can help them “Go Red for Women” by mentioning some of the statistics and tips above and you just might convince someone to pay more attention to their cardiac health. Even men who hear about the campaign may be inspired to head to the doctor for a stress test and blood pressure checkup.
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CHC