How's Your Heart?

I don't support a lot of causes but I am very passionate about the ones I do support.  Two main ones are breast cancer and women's heart health.  (Not to say that men's heart health isn't important also).  I schedule a mammogram every year and encourage other women to do so as well. 

February is National Women's Heart Health Month.  Friday, February 7th is National Wear Red for Women's Heart Health Day.  If you are a friend of mine you may have received a text earlier today reminding you of this fact.  If you are a friend of mine on Facebook you have read a couple of posts regarding this.  You will also have noticed that my profile and banner picture have been changed to reflect women's heart health.  My brothers accounts will soon be reflecting this also they just don't know it yet. 

My parents died at a relatively young age.  Mom was 48. Dad was 51.  They both died of heart attacks.  My brothers and I have all outlived them.  We tend to think of ourselves as old due to this.  I want to share a few notes about women's heart health. 

Heart attacks are the #1 killer of women. Every year more women die of heart disease than with breast and lung cancer combined.  A woman is more likely than a man to die within a year of of heart attack.  

Contributing factors to heart disease are cholesterol levels, blood pressure, family history, weight and blood sugar.  Do not make the mistake of thinking that you are not at risk just because your cholesterol and blood pressure are under control.  Also, trust me; if you tell any health care provider of family history regarding heart issues, they take it very seriously.  Also, if you had any problems during pregnancy with preclampsia, gestational diabetes or even high blood pressure it can put you at risk for heart issues later in life. 

Women may not exhibit the classic symptoms of crushing chest pain and pain down the left arm when having a heart attack.  They are more likely to have 'atypical' symptoms.  These may be pain in the jaw, shoulders or upper back.  They may have gastrointestinal upset or even experience extreme fatigue.  And don't just assume that the hot flash you are having is menopausal.  It you experience hot flash when exerting yourself it may be heart related. .  Bottom line -- you know your body.  If something doesn't seem right -- contact your doctor!  Better safe than sorry. 


Please join me and wear red next Friday, February 7th to support women's heart health.  And wear it often throughout the month as a reminder.