Women & Heart Disease
American Heart AssociationGreater Southeast Affiliate
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What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
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• CVD is heart and blood vessel diseases – diseases that affect the circulatory system.
• Heart disease is women’s No. 1 killer
Examples of CVD
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• High Blood Pressure (HBP)• Congenital Heart Defects• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)• Stroke & Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
One in three women die from cardiovascular disease each year.
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Know the warning signs
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• Chest discomfort• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
(pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach)
• Shortness of breath• Other signs of discomfort (breaking out in a
cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness)
In your control
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• High Blood Pressure• Cholesterol• Smoking• Physical Inactivity• Obesity/Overweight• Diabetes
Out of your control
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• Age• Family history/Race• Sex• Past heart attack or stroke
Studies show that…
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• Coronary heart disease rates in women rise 2-3 times after menopause
• Blacks are at higher risks than whites• 1 of 3 Hispanic females dies of diseases of the
heart and stroke• Only 21 percent of women view heart disease as
a health threat, even though it’s women’s No. 1 killer
Take action
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• Eat Healthy• Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes most days
of the week• Quit Smoking• Lose Excess Weight• Know your family history of heart disease• Schedule and keep a doctor’s appointment
Go Red Heart Check Up
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THANK YOU!THANK YOU!
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Wear it, feel it, live Wear it, feel it, live it.it.