February is Heart Health Month

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S.  Approximately 26% of all deaths for women are from heart disease – more than all cancers combined. Heart disease is responsible for about ¼ of all deaths for all ethnicities in the U.S.  With these alarming statistics, it is important that women recognize the leading risk factors (not necessarily in this order):

• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Alcohol use

Unfortunately, many women do not recognize the symptoms of a heart attack. Getting help immediately increases the probability of recovering. According to the American Heart Association, signs of a heart attack include*:

1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
5. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

In addition to eating a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, what is the single most important thing can women easily and inexpensively do to lower their risk of heart disease? To find out, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo

Celebrate National Go Red for Women Day on February 3, 2012

*http://www.goredforwomen.org/about_heart_disease_and_stroke.aspx

Judi Adams, MS, RD, President Wheat Foods Council