Happy February and American Heart Month, a time focused on keeping families and communities free from heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans.
This federally designated event that reinforces the importance of heart health and the need for more research is near and dear to me as a heart disease survivor. The first proclamation was issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in February 1964, nine years after he had a heart attack. Since then, the President has annually declared February American Heart Month, however, heart disease remains the single largest health threat to Americans.
Consider the facts as reported by the American Heart Association:
Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined
83% believe that heart attacks can be prevented but aren’t motivated to do anything
72% of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease
And 58% put no effort into improving their heart health
And heart disease isn't just a man's disease...
The fact is: cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute! But it doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same as in men.
Do you know what causes cardiovascular disease in women? What about the survival rate? Or whether women of all ethnicities share the same risk?
There are several misconceptions about heart disease in women, and they could be putting you at risk.
As an advocate for prevention, I've created this tip sheet to help you protect your heart. I hope you find it helpful. Please share it with your friends and family. Together we can eradicate heart disease!