As we move into February, red is everywhere we go – we see it at grocery stores, schools, banks, and even healthcare at-home providers don red. While most of the red hearts we see this month are in celebration of Valentine’s Day, red hearts mean so much more on February 3rd.
National Wear Red Day is celebrated on that date. The important observance encourages women and allies to wear red on February 3rd to call attention to the importance of heart disease and stroke awareness among women. It’s time to search your closet and wear that blazing red dress, shirt, hat, or accessory to help spread the word that heart disease in women can present differently than in men.
According to the American Heart Association, more than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease. What’s more, heart disease and stroke cause one-third of all deaths among women each year. That is more than all types of cancer combined.
By knowing the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, about 80% of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented.
There are several risk factors that may place a woman at greater risk of developing heart disease. These include:
- Among those with diabetes, women have a greater chance of developing heart disease.
- Stress and depression may make it difficult for a woman to maintain a healthy lifestyle and adhere to medical recommendations for other conditions.
- Smoking
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Menopause and its low levels of estrogen increase the risk of disease in smaller blood vessels.
- Pregnancy complications like high blood pressure and diabetes can increase the mother’s long-term risk of developing heart disease.
- Family history of heart disease can provide a window into your personal risk level.
- Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Obesity
By knowing your risk factors, you can work with your doctor on strategies to minimize them. This may include things like a diet and exercise program or prioritized management of existing diseases.
In addition to knowing the risk factors, women need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of health events like heart attack and stroke, as these can be different from the more widely known signs experienced by men.
Signs of a Heart Attack
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the listed symptoms, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately.
- Feeling uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. This can last for more than a few minutes, or it can go away and come back.
- Feeling pain or discomfort in one or both arms, or the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Feeling short of breath. This can be with or without discomfort in your chest.
- Breaking into a cold sweat or experiencing nausea or lightheadedness.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
It’s important to note that women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms than chest pain, including shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Signs of a Stroke
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the listed symptoms, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately.
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. This includes newly blurred vision.
- Sudden trouble walking or experiencing sudden dizziness, balance problems, or coordination problems.
- Sudden severe headache without a cause.
This February 3rd, wear red for women’s health and spread the word to your family and friends. Their hearts will thank you.
Do you or a loved one need help at home? Email help@intrepidusa.com now to learn how we can alleviate stress and provide individuals with the highest quality of life.
