Heart Health: Why Go Red For Women & American Heart Month Matter

“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. It’s a third of our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more. It’s a third of the women we can’t bear to live without.” GoRedForWomen.org

Heart Health: Why Go Red For Women & American Heart Month Matter

Up to 2.4 million Americans alive today have some form of congenital heart defect. This means they were born with heart disease. Of these people, about 1 million are children and 1.4 million are adults. Critical Congenital Heart Disease accounts for 25% of infant deaths. Pulse oximetry screening is a low-cost, effective, and painless test for newborns

Go Red For Women/American Heart Month: This Friday, February 6th, is National Wear Red Day. How is your heart health? Do you know anyone who has had a heart attack or suffers from heart disease? Do you know anyone who suddenly passed away from an attack? I do, and I almost did. Since 1984, more women than men have died from heart disease and stroke. Whether we choose to take care of our health or stay in denial, the fact is that each of us will be affected by heart issues; it could happen to a friend, a family member, or to us. This is one of the fundamental reasons why Go Red For Women & American Heart Month matter. They matter because of the research, tips, and alarm bells they share, and the education they provide to help us save lives. It saved my life!

My Personal Journey: In 1999, my life took an unusual turn I never expected. I was a young mother of 5-year-old twin girls, living in Westchester and teaching at Hunter College in NYC. I had always exercised, had quit smoking many, many years before, plus I was a yoga/meditation enthusiast and a vegetarian. So why was I feeling breathless and out of sorts? Why was I having more irregular heartbeats? Was it anxiety attacks or work stress? Was I imagining all of this? The fact is that I wasn’t experiencing any work-related stress, but I was trying to find answers to help me understand what was going on.

In the United States, 59 percent of Black women over the age of 20 have some form of CVD, compared with 43 percent of Hispanic American women, 43 percent of Asian American women, and 42 percent of White women (Exhibit 4).33 American Indian and Native Alaskan women have a prevalence of type 2 diabetes—up to 72 percent in some communities—that’s three times higher than that of White American women. GoRedForWomen.org

What were the signs? Initially, I ignored the dizzy spells and shortness of breath, putting them down to classroom stress. I needed a reason, but in retrospect, I wasn’t dealing with any stress at work. Over time, I felt tired when walking up the stairs at home, so I visited my doctor and got checked out. The focus was not on my heart, as I did not think I “fit” the typical profile of a candidate for heart failure. Even though there was a family history of heart disease – my dad died suddenly of an attack, and my mom had a massive stroke and never recovered fully- I believed that because I lived a healthy lifestyle, I was not a classic case study for heart failure. The tests didn’t show anything major, but I continued to feel out of sorts. My doctor ordered more tests, and nothing unusual came up. I continued to feel fatigued and, eventually, I was sent to a cardiologist. The cardiologist ran additional tests and finally decided to refer me to another specialist.

By November, I was referred to a children’s heart specialist, and he diagnosed heart failure. I needed open-heart surgery right away. I found out I was born with a congenital heart defect and had a rip/hole in my heart. One of my valves needed replacing, and it was possible that I might need a pacemaker. My surgery was successful. Fortunately for me, I can say … I am a survivor. But many other women we know haven’t been so fortunate. According to research on the subject, 1 in 3 women will die of a heart condition. Don’t become a statistic. An important point I want to address is that not all heart issues are stress-related. Some people are born with undiagnosed heart conditions and, unless you are attentive to how you feel and persist in getting medical help, you might never find out.
READ: 
Motivation 2020: Heart to Heart
Heart Matters: 7 Heart-Healthy Tips
Heart Matters: An Interview w/ Dr Gary H Gibbons of NHLBI
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“Heart disease kills 7 times more women every year in America than all cancers combined; that’s why we really need to do something to inform women and to empower them.” Susan Lucci

Heart Health: Why Go Red For Women & American Heart Month Matter

Did you know that more than 1 out of 3 women is living with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S? The U.S. could gain an additional $28 billion in GDP by 2040 by closing the heart health gap between men and women. According to a GoRedForWomen Report, closing the women’s health gap will require action on the following five fronts:
​1. Advance sex-specific research
​2. Improve routine health data collection and treatment algorithms
3. Equip healthcare providers across the care continuum
​4. Raise public awareness and tailor prevention strategies across all life stages
5. Invest in businesses and initiatives that further women’s heart health

When was the last time you had a check-up? No matter what our backgrounds or personal histories include, we are susceptible to illness and know folks struggling with health concerns. We take steps to prolong our lives by scheduling all our necessary appointments. TODAY. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from getting the help you need. Putting off routine check-ups can make the difference between an early diagnosis and an early demise. Check in with loved ones about their health needs and reach out to others and encourage them to do the same.

Here are 10 other facts you need to know about women and cardiovascular disease:
1. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
2. Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health.
3. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and accounts for over on-third of maternal deaths. Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates.
4. Overall, 10% to 20% of women will have a health issue during pregnancy, and high blood pressure, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes during pregnancy greatly increase a women’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
5. Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but the approach of menopause marks a point in midlife when women’s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage is crucial.
6. Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure.
7. 51.9% of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” are in women, and out of all women, 57.6% of Black females have hypertension — more than any other race or ethnicity.
8. While there are an estimated 4.1 million female stroke survivors living today, approximately 57.5% of total stroke deaths are in women.
9. Women are often less likely to receive bystander CPR because rescuers often fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault or injuring the victim.
10. Women continue to be underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, as well as in research. In fact, women occupy nearly half of all U.S. jobs (48%), but only 27% of jobs in STEM fields. Furthermore, only 38% of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials are women.goredforwomen.org

GET CHECKED OUT!
READ:
Heart Matters: National Wear Red Day
Heart Health: #WomensLives & Go Red For Women
The Heart Truth®: Take #RelaytheRed Pledge
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“As a result of studying populations over time, we’ve understood what the risk factors are for heart disease or what predisposes people to have a heart attack … There are things that women can empower themselves to do just by having more knowledge and information. “ Dr. Gary H Gibbons

Heart Health: Why Go Red For Women & American Heart Month Matter

What can we do about it? First off, we must reduce stress in our lives and get regular check-ups. We can donate or volunteer our time and participate in local events that raise awareness about heart disease. Again, as with all diseases at the national level, we can reach out to our elected officials to ensure they support funding and equitable resources for all. Learn more from the American Heart Association and Go Red For Women. Wear red on Friday in support of all women. Join in to learn about local initiatives and educate the women and girls in your family and life. Share information about women’s heart health on social media using hashtags like #GoRedForWomen, #WearRedDay, and #AmericanHeartMonth.
Heart-Healthy Recommendations
Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Dietary Changes: Reduce intake of processed foods, salt, and saturated fats.
Preventive Care: Schedule regular check-ups with healthcare providers to monitor for and manage cardiovascular risk factors.
Manage Stress: Use techniques such as meditation or yoga to help keep blood pressure within a healthy range.
According to the Go Red for Women Campaign, you must

What are you waiting for? Get your heart health in order and share your insights with the world. What are your thoughts?
READ:
National Women’s Health Week: 5 Health Tips from #RelaytheRed & #NWHW
Heart Health: Why Go Red For Women & American Heart Month Matter
National Wear Red Day®: Join The #HeartChat

For More: Women’s Lives & Issues 

Positive Motivation Tip: The heart is the center of all we do. Take care of yours and make sure your family does too.

More Wellness Boosters/Affirmations & Resources

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Photos from Go Red, The Heart Truth ,    Infographics via NWHW,  Pixabay,  Wikipedia, and/or my Personal Collection.

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet