February 13th marks Wear Red Day, a national awareness day that highlights the importance of heart health in women. As part of the Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we're proud to join the movement and shed light on the often-overlooked issue of heart disease in women.
The Alarming Reality of Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, claiming the lives of over 500,000 women each year in Canada alone. In fact, heart disease is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. Despite these staggering statistics, many women remain unaware of their risk and the unique factors that contribute to heart disease in women.
The 5 Key Messages from Wear Red Canada
Wear Red Canada, a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about heart disease in women, has identified five key messages that every woman should know:
1. Heart Disease is on the rise and is the leading cause of death for women worldwide
Heart disease is often perceived as a "man's disease," but the reality is that it affects women just as much. In fact, women are more likely to die from heart disease than men.
2. Women's symptoms are often different from men's
Heart attack symptoms are not recognized in over 50% of women. Women are more likely to present with 3 or more symptoms in addition to chest pain. Symptoms of heart attack most often reported by women:
- Pain in the jaw, neck, arm or back
- Abnormal excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain or discomfort, or feelings of nausea or indigestion
Other accompanying or associated symptoms:
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Back, shoulder or right arm pain
- Sleep disturbance
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
3. Women can experience different types of heart disease from men
Women are more likely than men to have:
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
- Coronary vasospasm
- Microvascular dysfunction (small-vessel disease)
- Takotsubo (stress-induced) cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy (weakened heart during or after pregnancy)
4. Women can be at greater risk for heart disease than men
The following conditions lead to a greater risk of heart disease:
- Certain pregnancy complications (ex. premature birth, diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy, preeclampsia)
- Earlier menopause
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Systemic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (ex. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Cigarette smoking: Women have 3 times higher risk of heart attack due to cigarette smoking compared to men
- Diabetes mellitus: Women living with diabetes are 3 times more likely to die from heart disease compared to men
5. Women can reduce their risk of heart disease
By making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, women can reduce their risk of heart disease.
What You Can Do
This Wear Red Day, we encourage you to take action and make a difference in the lives of women around you. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Wear red: Show your support by wearing red on February 13th.
- Share your story: Share your personal experience with heart disease or the story of a loved one who has been affected by it.
- Educate yourself: Learn more about heart disease in women and the unique factors that contribute to it.
- Support Wear Red Canada: Donate to Wear Red Canada and help support their efforts to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
Be Heart-Healthy with Advanced Respiratory Care Network
Heart disease in women is a critical issue that requires our attention and action. By raising awareness and promoting education, we can empower women to take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.
This Wear Red Day let's come together to make a difference. Let's wear red, share our stories, and educate ourselves about heart disease in women. Together, we can create a future where heart disease is no longer a leading cause of death in women.
Take control of your heart and lung health with Advanced Respiratory Care Network and schedule a consultation with us!
Resources
- Wear Red Canada: wearredcanada.ca
- Heart and Stroke Foundation: heartandstroke.ca