National Wear Red Day Spotlights Heart Health Among Southern Tier Women

People around the country and in the Southern Tier are wearing red today, Friday, February 7, to call attention to heart disease among women as the nation observes “National Wear Red Day,” part of the “Go Red for Women” awareness campaign.

Shifting Perceptions of Heart Disease

UHS joined the American Heart Association to mark the event and reminds the Southern Tier community that although heart disease was sometimes thought of as “a man’s disease” in the past, we now know almost as many women as men die of heart disease each year in the United States.

Importance of Awareness

Despite increased awareness over the past few decades, only about 56% of women recognize that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. It is responsible for about one in every five female deaths. Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health.

Preventive Measures for Heart Health

There are many ways that heart disease can be prevented, and every woman needs to take these important steps:

• Schedule an appointment with your healthcare professional to learn your risk for heart disease.
• Quit smoking. Just one year after quitting, you’ll cut your risk of coronary heart disease by 50%.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking), 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (such as jogging), or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
• Include muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week after consulting with your provider.
• Modify your family’s diet if needed by making smart substitutions, adopting healthy snacking ideas, and better cooking preparation methods.

Recognizing Symptoms and Taking Action

“As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort,” reminds UHS Cardiologist Rasha Aurshiya, MD. “But women may experience other symptoms instead.”

If you experience heart symptoms like chest pain, discomfort in other areas, shortness of breath, or cold sweats, it's imperative that you act quickly and seek emergency medical care.

Promoting Good Heart Health

Good heart health begins with raising awareness of your risks, making sure that you get the right diagnosis, and following the right treatment plan. Never ignore symptoms and seek care immediately when needed.

Celebrating Wear Red Day

Wear Red Day is one of the most effective events for increasing heart health awareness among women across the country. The American Heart Association and UHS are pleased to hold this important day in high regard every year.

Get our free mobile app

UHS Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Alon Yarkoni encourages women to be steadfast about their cardiovascular health and notes that events like Wear Red Day are a wonderful way to "raise awareness and close care gaps in women's heart health."