The American Heart Association designates the first Friday in February as National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of heart disease in women. The staff at Pioneer Memorial participated by wearing red to help raise awareness and save lives from heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women and claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined; killing one woman every 80 seconds. Heart disease and stroke impact the lives of one in three women, and cardiac events are on the rise in young women in their 20s.
While 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through changes to diet and lifestyle, disparities in care for women's heart and brain health continue to exist. In addition, heart disease and stroke symptoms can present differently in women compared to men.
To treat, beat and prevent heart disease and stroke, women should understand family health history; know their five key personal health numbers — total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index — and make healthy behavior changes like moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure.
Take time this month to schedule an appointment with one of our providers for a blood pressure screening. Elevated blood pressure can be an indicator of an underlying heart disease. For more information, visit our website at www.pioneermemorial.org or call 605-326-5201 schedule your next appointment.