02/03/2023
Sorry I have been away for a while….life!
Today is GoRedforWomen focusing on Heart Disease!
Cardiovascular (Heart) disease is the #1 cause of death for women in the US – particularly in Black Women.
Heart Disease kill more than 50,000 black women each year. Almost 60% of black women >20 have some heart disease .
More than 40%
Ways to Reduce Risk:
Work on stress – therapy, friendships
Blood Pressure – Regularly monitor your BP, take medication as prescribed
Obesity – Discuss weight loss options with your doctor and nutritionist
Diabetes – Know your A1c (sugar) number, ask about Diabetes education classes
Exercise where/when it’s safe (mall, work, neighborhood, church)
Smoking – Make a 3-6 month plan – grit, patches, gum, therapy, medications
Diet – Start small – incorporate healthy substitutions, work with nutritionist
Ask about a Heart Scan or Coronary Calcium Scan – CT scan that assesses the calcified plaque in your arteries.
Ask about your cholesterol/triglyceride numbers
Ask if your family history puts you at an increased risk for certain heart diseases
Heart Attack Warning Signs:
Chest pain or discomfort – center/left side of chest that stays or comes and goes. Can feel like squeezing, tightening, fullness, or pain.
Feeling weak, light-headed, faint, or sweaty
Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders
Shortness of breath
Women may just have nausea, lightheadedness, or feel unusually tired
Stroke Warning Signs:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you have more questions, please reach out!
WillMD