Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States.  Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart diseases, stroke and other vascular diseases, causes the death of one out of every 2.6 women annually.  That’s nearly 460,000 deaths a year, about one a minute.

The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is an initiative that challenges women to know and reduce their risk for heart disease and celebrates the proactive choices women can make to beat heart disease. Go Red raises awareness and inspires women to reduce their risk by learning preventative steps to prevent.

Thanks to the participation of millions across the country, the color red—and the red dress—represent the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live healthier lives.

To bring awareness to women the American Heart Association encourages women and men to wear red on Friday, February 5. Choosing toGo Red” is more than a fashion statement, it’s an effort to save lives from heart disease, the number one killer of women.

Show your support on Wear Red Day and throughout Heart Month this February. Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay for free downloadable resources. Contact your American Heart Association at (407) 481-6317.

If you’re having trouble maintaining your 2009 New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Recipe Collection magazine cookbook can help.

The 100-page publication has 47 new, easy-to-follow heart-healthy recipes that adhere to the association’s diet and lifestyle recommendations. The new publication will be available for $3.99 at grocery store checkout stands nationwide starting Feb. 17. Beginning March 3, it will also be available atwww.shopgored.org while supplies last. Go Red For Women Recipe Collection also includes 24 colorful recipe photos and cooking tips on choosing healthier ingredients and making healthier meals — thus reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.

For more information on American Heart Association cookbooks visit www.americanheart.org/cookbooks.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.  Often times people aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.  Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.  It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

 

*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/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.