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.