Did you know that women are more likely than men to die from heart disease?
Every February is American Heart Month—a time when all people, especially women, are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. As your trusted provider and advocate for women’s health in Logan, Utah, Cache Valley Women’s Center invites you to learn the facts and get involved.
This month is all about raising awareness about heart disease, with a special focus on women. The entire month is dedicated to promoting heart health education, screening, and treatment.
The ultimate goal of rallying efforts to this cause each February is to draw awareness to heart disease and stroke. It’s also to motivate people to take action to prevent heart disease.
So how can you get involved, and what are some of the key facts you should know? Let’s dive in!
What You Should Know
- Symptoms of a heart attack can vary between men and women. Chest pain still remains the number one symptom for both, but in women it may not be the only or most prominent symptom. The pain may be in the jaw, radiate to the back, or go up the neck. Women may also experience shortness of breath, feel sick to their stomach, break out in a sweat, feel fatigued, or experience an overwhelming feeling of impending doom or uneasiness.
- Hormonal changes around menopause can increase the risk of developing heart disease.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States—causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association.
- Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition involving an imbalance of female sex hormones, have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Women with a history of certain pregnancy and childbirth problems—including pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, stillbirth, and multiple miscarriages—have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
What You Can Do
- Understand your risk factors
- Learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack
- Make lifestyle changes to promote heart health
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Limit alcohol intake
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
- Get regular checkups and screenings
Women’s Health In Logan, Utah
A great step you can take this month is to schedule your routine women’s health screening. Cache Valley Women’s Center is here to serve you.
We are accepting new patients! Contact us today to schedule your next visit!