The Heart of Go Red, Women Fighting Back

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION LOUISVILLE, KY How we got started... Recognizing the need for a national organization to share research findings and promote further study, six cardiologists representing several groups founded the American Heart Association in Our mission… To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our impact goal… By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%. How we do it… Raise funds for research, education and advocacy to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke – America’s #1 and #3 causes of death. Locally, we raise over $1.2 million through our 3 signature events. Current AHA research awards at the University of Louisville exceed $1.6 million. In Kentucky, over $4.2 million

What Is Heart Disease? Why Is It Important? What Have We Learned? What Is A Heart Attack? Am I At Risk? How Can I Prevent It? The Heart Of Go Red Taking Action With Go Red The Heart of Go Red: Women Fighting Back

Images of Heart Disease What Is Heart Disease?  Coronary Heart Disease  High Blood Pressure  Heart Failure  Rheumatic - Fever/Heart Disease  Diseases of Pulmonary Circulation

Why Is It important? Cardiovascular disease causes 459,096 deaths per year One in 2.7 women die from cardiovascular disease 64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease The Facts about Heart Disease and Women Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable

What Have We Learned? Heart disease can strike women at any age Factors leading to heart disease originate in young women and develop over time Lifestyle changes can prevent or at least postpone heart disease

What Is A Heart Attack? Know the Warning Signs Chest discomfort Discomfort in upper body Shortness of breath Cold sweat Nausea Lightheadedness Heart Attack

Am I At Risk? Controllable Risk Factors Cholesterol Blood Pressure Physical (In)activity Obesity and Overweight Type II Diabetes Smoking Uncontrollable Risk Factors Increasing Age Heredity Race

High Cholesterol Your Risk: Cholesterol About 48.6% of women have a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and above. Total Cholesterol Level Desirable = Less than 200 Borderline high = 200 to 239 High = 240 and above

Your Risk: Cholesterol Women’s Knowledge of Cholesterol Levels Do you know what your HDL or “good cholesterol” is? Yes 23% Don’t Know 1% No 76% Do you know what your LDL or “bad cholesterol” is? Yes 23% Don’t Know 1% No 76%

Your Risk: High Blood Pressure Normal Blood Pressure Below 120/80 Pre-Hypertension /80-89 Hypertension Above 140/90 About 39 million women, age 20 and older, have it. High Blood Pressure

Your Risk: Physical (In)Activity Inactive women:  White females – 38%  Black females – 52%  Hispanic females – 54%  Asian females – 41%

Your Risk: Obesity & Overweight About 69 million women are overweight and 36.7 million are obese. Excess Weight:  Strains your heart  Raises blood pressure and cholesterol  Can lead to diabetes

Your Risk: Diabetes 7.5 million women 20+ have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 2.3 million go undiagnosed and 24.9 million are pre-diabetic. Type 2 DiabetesComplications of Diabetes

Benefits of Quitting  Within 1 to 2 years of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is substantially reduced.  Your sense of smell and taste come back.  A smoker’s cough will go away.  You breathe much easier.  It is easier to be physically active.  You are free of “needing” cigarettes. Your Risk: Smoking 20.7 million women, age 18 and older, smoke.

What Can I Do To Prevent It?  Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.  Keep your weight under control.  Be physically active at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.  Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.  Get regular medical check-ups.  Talk to your doctor about a prevention plan and medicines that may be right for you.  Don’t smoke, and avoid tobacco smoke. Take ACTION to Lower Your Risk

The Heart of Go Red, A Community of Stories At the age of 34 I had a massive heart attack which left me with extensive left ventricle damage. – Angel My mother was only 47 years old when she died from sudden cardiac arrest. – Kristen At 44 years old I am now a statistic. I had a 100% blockage in one of my arteries. Now my life is forever changed. - Cheryl

Go Red For Women: Women United in the Fight Against Heart Disease Join the movement Take the Heart CheckUp Share Your Story