Go Red for Women 2022

Every February during Heart Health Month, we Go Red for Women. It’s a time to educate about the risk for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women, and encourage women to make changes to improve their heart health. 

We need to raise awareness of what heart disease means for women, what the signs and symptoms of heart disease are, and inspire women everywhere to take care of their hearts. Therefore, Oklahoma Heart Hospital is happy to join the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women national movement.

Knowing that heart disease is the number one killer of women is important, but even more important is knowing that the risk isn’t equal for every woman and that lifestyle choices can lower risk. Women everywhere still underestimate the risk of heart disease and often worry far more about diseases like breast cancer, even though heart disease is more prevalent and more deadly.

For women specifically, it’s important to know heart disease often presents with symptoms unrelated to chest pain. Women typically report fatigue, weakness in the arms and hands, indigestion, anxiety, or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or upper back. While these can be symptoms of many other illnesses, knowing they can also point toward heart disease can help women know when to contact their doctor or seek emergency medical treatment.

Taking steps toward lowering risk for heart disease is an important and powerful way women can take charge of their health. Here are a few of the best ways to lower risk for heart disease.

Get moving
Add exercise into your normal routine. It’s great for lowering stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and is one of the best ways to take care of your heart.

Eat a balanced diet
A diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains reaps many benefits for your heart, from lowering cholesterol to weight control to regulating blood pressure.

Manage your stress
Stress affects us physically, including our hearts. Look for ways to lower stress and mitigate the effects of stress on your body.

Reduce or eliminate smoking and alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol use are big indicators of risk for heart disease. Reduce or eliminate the use of cigarettes, other drugs, and excessive alcohol intake.

For more information about Go Red for Women and to learn more about your risk for heart disease, visit www.goredforwomen.org.