Friday was designated National Wear Red Day for women's heart health by the American Heart Association, with the goal of spreading awareness of heart disease in women.
Amy Booth, a nurse practitioner and Renown Cardiovascular APP Section Chief, says, "One in three women worldwide die of heart disease every year, which is more than all cancers combined. Most women aren't aware of that fact."
Booth tells us women should always consult with their health care provider about the risks and should see their health care provider regularly.
She says they should also talk about their family history with heart disease or if there are further risks like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or being overweight, and find out what they can do to reduce those risks.
Booth says, "Heart disease can affect anyone of any age, but of course the risk goes up as we age, and in women, especially after menopause, that risk can go up as well. So women after menopause should definitely see their health care provider, talk about risks, and again see what they can do to reduce those risks."
She says checkups are extremely important, as heart disease is the number one killer for women.
"We want to make sure that we keep women healthy and alive, so they absolutely should see their health care provider."
Booth also adds, "When people think of heart disease, obviously, the thing they think of most is a heart attack. A heart attack is typically chest pain, shortness of breath, arm pain, and jaw pain, but sometimes it presents differently in women; they can sometimes be tired or have abdominal discomfort."
If you would like to learn more about this national day and how you can help further, you can click the link here.
