Women & Heart Disease

1. Women & Heart Disease American Heart Association Greater Southeast Affiliate

2. What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)? • CVD is heart and blood vessel diseases – diseases that affect the circulatory system. • Heart disease is women’s No. 1 killer

3. Examples of CVD • High Blood Pressure (HBP) • Congenital Heart Defects • Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) • Stroke & Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) • Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

4. One in three women die from cardiovascular disease each year.

5. Know the warning signs • Chest discomfort • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach) • Shortness of breath • Other signs of discomfort (breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness)

6. In your control • High Blood Pressure • Cholesterol • Smoking • Physical Inactivity • Obesity/Overweight • Diabetes

7. Out of your control • Age • Family history/Race • Sex • Past heart attack or stroke

8. Studies show that… • Coronary heart disease rates in women rise 2-3 times after menopause • Blacks are at higher risks than whites • 1 of 3 Hispanic females dies of diseases of the heart and stroke • Only 21 percent of women view heart disease as a health threat, even though it’s women’s No. 1 killer

9. Take action • Eat Healthy • Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes most days of the week • Quit Smoking • Lose Excess Weight • Know your family history of heart disease • Schedule and keep a doctor’s appointment

10. Go Red Heart Check Up

11. THANK YOU! Wear it, feel it, live it.