Joining the Go Red for Women Movement to End Heart Disease
February is American Heart Month, and cardiovascular health is top of mind. The Go Red for Women movement is one of the American Heart Association’s most popular initiatives. It runs deeper than just raising awareness about cardiovascular disease—it’s about inspiring women to make real chance to improve their heart health.
Epic Specialty Staffing has long been a proud supporter of the Go Red for Women movement. This year, we’re taking an active role and buying a day off on Friday, February 25th to raise funds for the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of death for women in the United States[MS1] . In the spirit of changing that, we’re using this opportunity to call out some important information about preventing and treating heart disease.
Prevention is Key
Heart disease is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of different heart conditions. It can manifest in any number of ways—from a heart attack to arrhythmia (palpitations) to heart failure. Prevention can go a long way in saving lives. The American Heart Association recommends the following steps to help prevent heart disease and stroke:
- Know your risks (more on this in a moment)
- Stick to a healthy diet that minimizes processed foods, refined carbs, and sweetened drinks
- Stay active and regularly move your body
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and vaping
- Manage any preexisting heart conditions
- Keep the lines of communication open with your health care team
Understand Your Risk Factors
As mentioned above, understanding your risk can help prevent serious health problems down the road. According to the CDC, your lifestyle and age can both increase your risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The same goes for folks who have certain health conditions. If you’re a smoker or have high blood pressure or cholesterol, you’re likely at higher risk as well. Similarly, those living with diabetes or obesity tend to be more susceptible to heart disease.
It’s also important to consider your genetics. If you have a family history of heart disease and make unhealthy lifestyle choices, your risk will be even greater.
Treating Cardiovascular Disease
Treatment really comes down to your unique situation and the kind of cardiovascular disease you have. Lifestyle changes can sometimes be enough to change things for the better. This often includes adopting a healthy diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, and minimizing alcohol use, according to Mayo Clinic. Medications can also help stabilize blood pressure and cholesterol.
In some cases, surgery or medical procedures may be the best path forward. There are multiple ways to clean out plaque from vital arteries. Bypass surgery is another option for some patients. It’s worth noting that we’ve also seen major advancements in robotic heart surgery and new alternatives to open-heart surgery. This is all to say that the future of care is constantly evolving. Stem cell therapy, implantable defibrillators, and even 3D bioprinted heart tissue all represent innovations that many experts believe will change the way we treat heart disease.
How to Make a Positive Difference
A 2020 Cleveland Clinic survey found that most Americans don’t know that heart disease is the number one killer of women. This is precisely why improving awareness is so important. If more women understand the threat, the hope is that it will bolster life-saving screenings and prevention.
February 4th is National Wear Red Day. It’s a simple way to bring attention to this important cause. You can also coordinate with friends and family to donate directly to the American Heart Association. Share your pledge on social media to spread the word even more.
[MS1]Source: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm