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February is a month dedicated to the heart – in more ways than one. This is the time to celebrate love and give your sweetheart a valentine. This is also the month to wear red and call attention to prevention of the No. 1 killer of women – heart disease.
During February, the American Heart Association wants people to “Go Red for Women” by wearing something red or a special pin to raise awareness of heart disease. The campaign is a call for women to take charge of their heart health.
“The campaign’s aim is to empower women to take charge of their heart health, make it a top priority and live a stronger, longer life,” says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
Cardiovascular diseases claim more women's lives than the next seven causes of death combined. “That’s about 500,000 lives a year,” Reames says.
A special red dress pin available from the association can be worn to show support for women affected by heart disease and stroke.
American Heart Association data reveal that:
- Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of American women over age 25.
- Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases kill more than 500,000 women each year – about one death a minute.
- 1 in 29 women dies of breast cancer. About 1 in 2.4 women dies of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
- 1 in 5 women has some form of cardiovascular disease.
- 63 percent of women who die unexpectedly of heart disease have no previous symptoms.
- Black and Hispanic women have higher risk factors than white women of comparable socioeconomic status.
The campaign has three basic health messages.
First, know your risk factors for heart disease and stroke, which include obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking and high blood pressure.
Second, reduce your risk.
- Maintain a desirable weight. Keep body mass index (BMI) below 25 and waistline less than 35 inches.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Don’t smoke; if you do, stop.
- Eat a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, cereal and grain products, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, legumes, nuts, fish, poultry and lean meat).
- Maintain a total cholesterol level under 200 and an HDL level of 50 or higher.
- Control your blood pressure. Try to keep it below 120/80.
- Schedule regular visits with your doctor.
Third, know the warning signs of heart attack. Call 911 immediately if you experience:
- Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body: one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath: often comes along with chest discomfort, but it can occur before the discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Read more about heart disease and its prevention:
Lack of vitamin D may increase heart disease risk
DASH Diet
Make smart choices while shopping for heart-healthy foods
Help Your Heart
Take cholesterol levels seriously
Read the Chancellor's Challenge blog, which tells of LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson's struggle to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.