KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Friday marks National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
According to Saint Luke's Women's Heart Center, heart disease is the number one killer of women. It claims more women's lives every year than all cancers combined.
Dr. Tracy Stevens, a cardiologist at the Women's Heart Center, said when it comes to heart disease, there are more conditions than a heart attack.
Other conditions of heart disease include sudden artery dissection, broken heart syndrome, heart disease and pregnancy, and post-partum heart failure.
There are a variety of symptoms of a heart attack or heart disease.
"High blood pressure, cholesterol, their body weight," Dr. Stevens said. "Be aware from anything from the waist on up: shortness of breath, pain between the shoulder blades, indigestion, overwhelming fatigue."
She said it's important not to assume symptoms will go away, and to be proactive about seeking help.
"It's very important for us to know as women that this is our number one health threat," Dr. Stevens said. "By talking strategies with your health care providers, we can prevent the majority of heart attacks. It's ownership and discipline."
The disease is 95 percent preventable.
These six lifestyle changes can reduce a woman's risk of heart disease:
- Have a healthy body weight
- Exercise
- Don't smoke
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Limit alcohol
- Eat healthy
The center also has its 'Food As Medicine Every Day' (FAME) program. FAME coordinator Lucas Schubert said nutrition is an essential part of heart health. He teaches classes to help women learn more about the importance of nutrition.
"In our theme classes, it's a cooking and nutrition education class, 12 week series, that you're able to come to the Women's Heart Center and really learn and get some hands-on cooking and education," Schubert said.
For more information on the FAME program, click here.
