February – American Heart Month

Press Release:  For Immediate Release – January 26, 2012

Vicki L. Duey, Executive Director

Four Corners Health Department             

2101 N. Lincoln Avenue

York, NE.  68467

…The Beat Goes On…

In Nebraska, and nationwide, cardiovascular (heart) disease is the number one killer of women.  More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.  So, what is the good news?  80% of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their heart health – including diet, exercise, and quitting smoking. 

Women, and those that love them, need to make themselves aware of the risk factors, the warning signs, and simple lifestyle changes that could improve and even save their lives.  The risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease can all be lowered by making a few lifestyle changes.  These include:  quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, moderating alcohol intake, reducing excess weight or maintaining a healthy weight, exercising 30 minutes a day at least three times per week, and finding ways to manage stress. 

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot.  If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, that part of the heart muscle begins to die. 

Signs of a Heart Attack:

          1.  Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest.  It lasts more      

                more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

          2.  Pain or discomfort in one or both arms.

          3.  Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

          4.  Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

          5.  As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort.  But,        

                women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common

                symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea and/or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to act immediately.  Call 9-1-1 in order to get to a hospital right away.  Don’t become a statistic!  Too often women don’t realize they are suffering from a heart attack and wait too long to get help.  Even if they survive their first heart attack, the resulting disabilities usually lead to a significant loss of life:  38% of women die within less than one year after having a recognized heart attack, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

In the past, too many women were not paying attention to this number 1 killer, and dismissed heart disease as an “older man’s disease”.  In order to raise awareness and dispel such myths, a national Heart Truth Campaign was designed in 2002.  The intention was to deliver an urgent wake-up call to American women regarding their heart health.  It was designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health and is recognized by a red dress symbol.  The red dress symbol is a red alert to take heart disease seriously.  Encourage everyone you know to join in on the Wear Red Day challenge on Friday, February 3rd, (celebrated on the first Friday in February every year).  Everyone can participate by showing off their favorite red dress, red tie, red shirt, or by wearing the Red Dress Pin.  It is a chance to unite and show that you care about all of the women in your life.  It also brings awareness to others and motivates women to take action to reduce their risk.  It’s never too early – or too late – to start improving your health.

For more information regarding heart disease or the Heart Truth campaign, go to:  www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth. 

You can also contact Four Corners Health Department at 402-362-2621 or toll-free at 1-877-337-3573.