SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) - For this year's National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18, 2024) we're shining a spotlight on the No. 1 killer of women – cardiovascular disease, which claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined.
The reality is that currently nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Yet, health experts say younger generations of women are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.
Heart attack warning signs can include pain in both arms or the chest, neck, jaw, back, stomach, as well as nausea, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. Stroke warning signs are F.A.S.T. – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 9-1-1.
Doctors say it’s time to act. Why? Losing even one woman to cardiovascular disease is too many. That's why Intermountain Health is proud to work alongside the American Heart Association in Utah, serving as the Go Red for Women platform sponsor, including the Red Seat Tour, to raise awareness about the importance of heart health for women.
In its 20th year, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement has been saving and improving women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies, and raising awareness.
“We want Utah women to know their numbers (blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index - BMI), move more, eat smart, manage their risk factors, and take care of their mental well-being,” said Lana McGill, MD, an internal medicine physician at Intermountain Health and associate chief medical officer and chief quality officer at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. “That’s why we have partnered with the American Heart Association, to get this vital message out to women throughout the state.”
Over the past 10 years, heart disease in women—especially young women—has been increasing. More women than men die of heart disease every year, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. Yet identification and treatment for women is regularly delayed and often misdiagnosed.
Living a healthy lifestyle and regular screening for risk factors is key – AHA’s life’s essential 8 – and there are five LiVe Well centers across the Canyons region that are uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive lifestyle medicine services – addressing physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress, risky substance use, social connectedness, and environmental exposures – to women (and men) with and at risk for CV disease.
Visit www.goredforwomen.org for tools and resources on how to take charge of your health.