Going red

February, along with being a month where many are eagerly waiting the end of a long, cold winter, is a month associated with matters of the heart.

There is the more symbolic sense of this sentiment with Valentine’s Day and its cards, candies, hearts and Cupid images.

But there is also a more literal sense, in this is a month focused on heart health.

February is a time when the American Heart Association puts a great deal of emphasis on raising awareness about heart health, particularly for women.

According to The American Heart Association heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year, approximately one woman per minute.

There are other misconceptions about heart disease, particularly as it pertains to women.

Heart disease is commonly thought to be more common in men or that it is something older people have to be more concerned with.

According to The American Heart Association, for younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent. And while the risks do increase with age, things like overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can cause plaque to accumulate and lead to clogged arteries later in life. But even if you lead a completely healthy lifestyle, being born with an underlying heart condition can be a risk factor.

Factors like cholesterol, eating habits and smoking can counterbalance your other healthy habits. You can be thin and have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, or earlier, if your family has a history of heart disease and also keep an eye on blood pressure.

Women also need to be aware that their symptoms may differ from those commonly associated with heart issues.

Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Media has conditioned us to believe that the telltale sign of a heart attack is extreme chest pain. But in reality, women are somewhat more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Other symptom s women should look out for are dizziness, lightheadedness or faintin g, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen and extreme fatigue.

While the focus is on raising awareness on heart health for women, there are factors everyone should be aware and mindful of.

According to a recent study shared by the American Heart Association nearly half, 48 percent or 121.5 million adult Americans as of 2016, have some type of cardiovascular disease.

The report indicates high blood pressure has been a contributing factor.

Research shows approximately 80 percent of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, along with adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors such as not smoking. The health behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight could have the most impact as they contribute to multiple conditions.

These numbers speak for themselves and may serve to motivate some to make some changes in their lives for themselves and for their loved one in order to live a longer and healthier life.

To learn more visit goredforwomen.org.