By Vanessa Freeman, February 5, 2016 Posted in: Featured, Life

I had the pleasure and honor of kicking off Heart Health Month, with a panel of amazingly vibrant young women–all living with heart disease.

 We heard from Mary McGowan, CEO of Women Heart, Wendy Williams, Talk Show Host and Women Heart Ambassador. In addition, we were treated to the amazing heart disease thrivers as I like to call them, Essence Harris Banks, Amanda Daniels, Leticia Madrigal, and Delaney McGowan.  Lastly, we were delighted by Sharonne Hayes, cardiologist from the Mayo Clinic.  This event was made possible by the partnership between Burlington and Women Heart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

Health officials and the public alike have often identified heart disease and other cardiovascular issues such as, high blood pressure or cholesterol, as a disease only men are susceptible to.  This has lead to a large number of women having been misdiagnosed.  Some may also ignore the tell-tale signs of heart issues because they think it’s something women just don’t get.

Health officials say for the last twenty years the medical field has been playing catch-up when it comes to research and studies involving women and how they’re affected by heart disease.  African American and Hispanic women lead the pack with the highest number of heart disease diagnosis, including high blood pressure and cholesterol.   There was so much great information shared at this panel, from the personal stories to the statistics.  The most powerful take-away, was seeing these young women living their lives, when suddenly heart disease struck.  They are not at all what you think of when you envision someone living with heart disease, and that’s why it’s important to pay attention to your body. It’s constantly giving you information and signs.  Heart disease does not discriminate.  Make sure you check out the video of their stories and great medical advice from a top cardiologist.

 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of American women. It’s responsible for 1 in 3 female deaths in the U.S.

The Numbers:

  • 43.8 million women are currently living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
  • 6.6 million women are currently living with coronary heart disease.
  • 2.7 million women have a history of heart attack.
  • 4.2 million women will suffer again.

 

Who’s at Risk:

  • 31.7% of women do not engage in leisure time physical activity.
  •  61.2% of Caucasian women, 81.9% of African American women, and 76.3% of Mexican-American women are overweight or obese.

 

How to HELP you HEART:

  • Get your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly.
  • Take your concerns to your physician; listen to your body.
  • Eat smart.
  • Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day.
  • Watch your weight.
  • Kick bad habits like smoking.
  • Don’t stress out (meditate, deep breathing, and exercise).
  • Spread what you’ve learned with other women.
  • Take Charge of YOUR heart!

*Stats from WomenHeart.org