Time to show some love…for your heart
February is a time for expressing love. From a health perspective, it’s a time for showing a little love not only from our hearts but for our hearts. In the month of February, the American Heart Association presents its signature initiative Go Red For Women. While communities will wear red to show support and heart health facts will be shared; the Heart Association emphasizes that it’s more than that, it’s about making a commitment to take charge of our own heart health as well as the ones we love.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women. It has been for decades. Only recently, we have become more aware of the risk factors for women and what we can and should do to prevent and treat this disease.
According to the American Heart Association, heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women, but the most common symptom for both is chest pain. Women might also have non-chest pain symptoms and less obvious warning signs.
If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to a hospital right away.
Symptoms in Women
- Chest pain, but not always
- Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
- Jaw, neck, or upper back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Indigestion
- Extreme fatigue
Symptoms in Men
- Squeezing chest pressure or pain
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
I was surprised to learn that cardiovascular disease takes the life of a woman about every 80 seconds - more than all cancers combined! But here’s the good news; about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented.
We can start by learning the ABCs of good heart health:
A: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
B: Have your blood pressure monitored regularly
C: Control cholesterol and stop cigarette smoking
D: Discuss your risks with your doctor, have regular visits with your doctor, and be fully involved in your care and prevention plan
E: Exercise unless your doctor has advised against it
So, during American Heart Month, let’s show a little love for our hearts. That will ensure that we’re there to show love for others in our lives.
Remember to “Go Red for Women!”
In health,
Loretta V. Bush, MSHA
