Heart Disease: The Number One Killer Of Women


Pender Community Hospital staff wear red on Feb. 6, National Go Red For Women Day, part of the American Heart Association's campaign to raise awareness of heart disease and women.


Go Red for Women challenges women to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, a fact most women still do not take to heart.

Every 36 seconds, someone dies from heart and blood vessel disease. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.

Signs of a heart attack may be uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest. Pain or discomfort may occur in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Other signs may be shortness of breath with or without chest pain, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

To reduce your risk for many types of heart disease and stroke, take these steps:
  • Don't smoke and avoid other people's tobacco smoke.
  • Lower your blood pressure if you need to; treat high blood pressure if you have it.
  • Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
  • Keep your weight under control.
  • Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
  • Get regular medical check-ups.
  • Follow your doctor's orders for taking medicine.

For more information on women and heart disease, talk to your healthcare professional or visit the website www.goredforwomen.org. Start today to turn personal choices into life-saving actions!