American Heart Month

Over 70 million American men and women suffer from heart or vascular diseases. The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women initiative is designed to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in America. According to the Heart Association,

"Heart disease and stroke claim more women's lives each year than the next five causes of death combined, and nearly twice as many as all types of cancer, including breast cancer. And while 90 percent of women feel they have power over their health, only 27 percent say their health is a top priority, according to a recent American Heart Association survey. This lack of urgency about personal health contributes to the deaths of more than 500,000 women every year from cardiovascular disease."

Everyone who calls 1-888-MYHEART will receive a free red dress pin, to be worn as a reminder that women need to pay attention to their cardiovascular health.

But what exactly is "cardiovascular disease"? It is a broad term encompassing a large group of medical conditions that can be divided into two major areas - diseases of the heart (cardio) and diseases of the vessels (vascular). Heart attack, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and arteriosclerosis are all cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that people who eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, don't smoke, keep their cholesterol in check, maintain a healthy weight and get regular medical attention can significantly decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease. For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic online, Medline Plus, Heart Diseases or Medline Plus, Vascular Diseases.

For free information and services, contact the Cleveland metro branch of the American Heart Association at 216-791-7500 or visit American Heart Association.