National Wear Red Day: Awareness for women’s heart health
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. Nearly 45% of women, 20 years or older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Friday is ‘National Wear Red Day’ to help raise awareness for women’s heart health.
Cardiovascular disease gets missed in females more frequently due to the difference in symptoms between male and females. Males may have chest pain or pressure. Whereas females have vague symptoms such as nausea, jaw-pain, or pain down their arm.
Research shows that stress contributes more to heart health issues with women compared to men.
Doctor Courtnay Foxwell with Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute says when it comes to heart health, women can be caught by surprise.
“Then they come in and they’re actually having a heart attack. Or they’ll think they are coming down with something. I think we tend to brush it off as well maybe as a female which doesn’t help. We think that maybe it is not that big of a deal,” Dr. Foxwell said.
Doctor Foxwell adds to help prevent cardiovascular issues she suggests 150 minutes of exercise per week to get your heart rate up. Research also shows that the mediterranean diet is the best diet to reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease it is important to let your doctor know. Also, if you are experiencing pain that lasts longer than 1 hour, it is best to get checked by a medical professional.
