Wearing J.Crew dress, J.Crew Factory bold gold link necklace and Coach heels.

The death of a local woman in my town–who was relatively young at 53 years old–prompted me to revisit the topic of women’s heart health. This woman’s death (apparently of a heart attack) begs me to remind you that heart disease is not something that strikes older Caucasian men. We all should take this matter seriously.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, yet African-American women are disproportionately affected, leading to the death rate regardless of age. Notably, African American women are less likely than Caucasian women to be aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death.

The staggering statistics for African American women and heart disease:

  • Cardiovascular disease kills nearly 500,000 African-American women annually.
  • Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 49 percent have heart disease.
  • Only 1 in 5 African-American women believes she is personally at risk
  • Only 52 percent of African-American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
  • Only 36 percent of African-American women know that heart disease is their most significant health risk.

Heart Attack Warning Signs:

  • Chest Discomfort—Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  • Discomfort In Other Areas of the Upper Body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of Breath – with or without chest discomfort
  • Other Signs – may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
    Get to a hospital if warning signs persist.

Once again, let’s get to the heart of the matter.

What does Go Red mean?
1. Follow an exercise routine
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
3. Visit your  doctor for necessary tests
4. Influences others by talking about heart health

Exercise:
As spring is blooming around us with warmer temperatures this time of year, there is no excuse not to get out and walk, work in your garden, or ride your bike. Those are some ways that I utilize to get my 150 minutes of weekly exercise. Why 150 minutes?

Being physically active is essential to prevent heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise to improve overall health. The simplest, positive change you can make to improve your heart walk effectively is to start walking. It’s free, easy, social, and great exercise. What’s holding you back? Get moving!

10,000 Steps a Day, a pedometer walking program, again, another easy way to get your daily exercise with just the cost of a pedometer, which is usually relatively inexpensive.

Healthy Diet:

  1. Control your portion size
  2. Eat more vegetables and fruit
  3. Select whole grains
  4. Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol
  5. Choose low-fat protein sources
  6. Reduce sodium in your food
  7. Plan:  Create daily menus
  8. Allow yourself an occasional treat

Important Tests:
Under the new healthcare reform law, most health plans now cover the tests listed below (check your plan to see if yearly test are allowed):

Some tests, such as prostate cancer or T angiography for heart disease, aren’t included in the above list because research shows they’re not very helpful for most healthy people.

It’s incredible how we can influence each other with a great pair of shoes, an outfit, travel plans, entertainment, or decorating. The same influence you have to inspire your female friends and family members is the same in the health arena: speak up, and don’t let your female friends die premature deaths because you don’t want to offend them by being overweight, lack of exercise, or poor eating habits. I hope we got to the heart of the matter of premature deaths in heart disease for all women, especially African-American women.