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McDowell raising awareness about heart disease

January 30, 2008

Ephraim McDowell Health is observing Friday as National Wear Red Day and encouraging individuals to wear red on that day.

"The purpose of National Wear Red Day is to increase the public's awareness of heart disease and the fact that individuals can make lifestyle changes to reduce their risks for this killer disease," said Harry Nickens, McDowell spokesman.

The U.S. Public Health Service on Women's Health said heart disease tends to develop in women 10 to 15 years later than it does in men. Nearly half of women who have a heart attack die within one year after their heart attack while only a third of men do.

Generally, heart disease is not prevalent in women until after menopause because estrogen that is produced naturally in pre-menopausal women provides protection against heart disease.

Risk factors associated with heart disease include a family history, diabetes, obesity, menopause, high cholesterol level and smoking.

To help reduce risk of heart disease, women should follow a diet low in fat, maintain a proper weight and stay physically active.

It's also important to know the warning signs for a heart attack. Some heart attacks occur suddenly and intensely, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. The more common warning signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Women also may experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, nausea and unexplained fatigue.

Individuals who experience these symptoms should call 9-1-1 or go immediately to the nearest medical facility.

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