CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Friday is Wear Red Day to bring awareness to women’s heart health.
Heart disease is that the favorite explanation for death and disability of girls within the U.S. and even more prevalent in Black women.
“There are tons of sorts of heart condition . the foremost common heart condition and what most of the people consider with heart condition is coronary heart condition , blocked arteries,” Baystate Health medical director of cardiac rehab, Dr. Quinn Pack told 22News.
It’s a coincidence that American Heart Month coincides with Black History Month but the knowledge and awareness that comes from American Heart Month may help save lives from the disease. the danger of death from heart condition differs greatly by race and ethnicity.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 Black women annually. Black women even have almost twice the danger of stroke than White women.
“The most vital risk factors are what I call the large five. High vital sign , high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and case history ,” Dr. Pack continued. Pack says diet, not exercising, lifestyle and weight also are factors.
The American Heart Association says 49 percent of Black women ages 20 and older have heart condition s meaning nearly one in every two Black women has heart disease.
But there are ways to lower your risk. Pack said 90 percent of heart diseases are preventable.
“One, go see your doctor. Get your vital sign , cholesterol and blood sugars checked. Second of all you ought to get out and move. Three, eat right and if you would like to lose some weight. If you'll do those three or four major things, you'll help reduce your risk of heart condition ,” Dr. Pack recommends.
Dr. Pack said if a lady develops gestational diabetes (diabetes developed when pregnant) they ought to ask their doctors about preventative measures for heart condition , as gestational diabetes may be a risk for future heart condition . He told 22News that ladies with or who had, gestational hypertension, high vital sign during pregnancy and preeclampsia got to get on the alert for future heart condition and when the instant comes may have to start out on medicine.
There are some symptoms to seem out for.
“Chest pain of any kind and that i mean pain from the jaw to the belt, including right down to the elbows that starts with exertion and gets better once you rest. That’s something you ought to always have evaluated by a doctor,” Dr. Pack said. “Obviously if you ever have crushing pain, pressure, uncomfortable sensations, that ought to be evaluated by a doctor.”
But Dr. Pack said sometimes symptoms are different for older women.