Heart Month: Prevention and Signs of Heart Disease

February 2021 marks the 57^thanniversary of the first Heart Month. Originated in 1964, Heart Month was created to raise awareness for a disease which, at the time, caused over half of the US deaths. To spread awareness and knowledge on the topic, the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation hosted a webinar with Nina Morgan, Tampa Bay’s Vice President of Development, American Heart Association, and Artemis Emslie, CEO of CandenceRX.

Heart disease can affect even the youngest and healthiest of people. With 1 in 3 women dying of heart disease, it is important to understand prevention and the signs for this disease.

Know Your Numbers

Numbers to track include

Blood pressure
Total cholesterol
Blood sugar
Weight

Obtaining an annual physical and check-up with your physician is important to stay up to date with your body’s state of health. When visiting your doctor, ask what the numbers in your testing mean. Ask, “Am I where I should be?” Share your numbers with significant others, family members, or friends. We may not always be our best advocates, so sharing your numbers will help hold you accountable.

Lifestyle

Heart disease is 80% controllable and 20% uncontrollable. Diet, activity, and smoking status are the three main factors that account for the controllable prevention. Ensuring a healthy and balanced diet, frequent physical activity, and eliminating the use of nicotine will help lower your chances of getting this disease.

Symptoms in Women

Heart Attack

Nausea or vomiting
Jaw, neck or upper back pain
Chest pain, but not always
Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Indigestion
Extreme fatigue

Stroke

Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Vision problems
Trouble walking or lack of coordination
Severe headache without a known cause
General weakness
Disorientation & confusion or memory problems
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting

Getting Involved

As of 1977, women of childbearing age were banned from being involved in early stage clinical trials for heart disease. The ban was lifted in the early 2000s allowing women to be involved. Since women were not involved in early research, there continues to be a lack of research for women and heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages women of all ages to get involved with research to help increase the knowledge we have for women. Research Goes Redis a program with the AHA providing a variety of levels for women to participate in research.

Resources

The American Heart Association

https://www.heart.org

Research Goes Red

https://www.projectbaseline.com/studies/gored/

Through the Lens: Shining Light on Women’s Heart Health, Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxs70pehQ7c&feature=youtu.be

Blog by: Melina Ressler, Intern, Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation

Melina Ressler