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PAGE 07 February - March 2021 PAGE 06 February - March 2021
The American Heart Association (AHA) commemorates
women's heart health with Go Red For Women the first
Friday each February. Despite its prevalence, the facts
surrounding cardiovascular disease in women remain
misunderstood and overlooked. For example, many
women don't know that their symptoms of a heart attack
will vary greatly from that of their male counterparts.
Additionally, factors concerning heart disease vary by race
and socioeconomic class, affecting the timeliness of their
diagnosis and their quality of life.
Shelly Harden, a community health worker with the Health
Care Collaborative of Rural Missouri (HCC), learned
firsthand what it's like to experience the signs and
symptoms of a heart attack without realizing it until far
too late. "By the time the
paramedics got there, they couldn't
find a pulse," Harden describes her
experience to the HCC/Live Well
podcast. "I really did not know
much of the signs for heart issues
in women." Harden details severe
shoulder and jaw pain, along with
what she thought was indigestion
throughout the night, as hidden
symptoms of her heart attack. The
symptoms persisted over the
course of an entire evening and
night, manifesting as chest
pressure, extreme fatigue, and
nausea before Harden felt
something was seriously wrong and
called for help.
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), only half of American
women know that heart disease is
their number one killer.
Additionally, one-third of women
have some form of cardiovascular
disease, women make up half of all
cardiovascular deaths in the U.S.,
and more than 400,000 women
every year are expected to be
impacted by new, chronic, and fatal cardiovascular
disease.
The AHA outlines several risk factors for heart disease
among women that include smoking, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes.
Furthermore, an individual's age, gender, race, ethnicity,
family history, and personal medical history are also
factors that one must consider when determining the state
of their heart health. While certain biological factors can't
be helped, lifestyle decisions - such as smoking cessation,
regular exercise, and healthy eating - can make a world of
difference for those at greatest risk of suffering from
cardiovascular disease. According to the AHA, the risk of
heart attack and stroke can be reduced by 80% if such
lifestyle changes are made, even if the person has a
genetic disposition to developing the disease.
Now a heart attack survivor, Harden immediately quit
smoking and took up healthy eating and exercise. Harden
also became an ambassador for the Kansas City branch of
the American Heart Association. "There really weren't any
support groups for women my age," she states. "I did go
to cardiac rehab, but the majority of the individuals there
were elderly. Their situation was different from mine.
There was a time where I felt depressed ... not having
anyone in my situation or my age to talk to about the
heart attack." The AHA determines that the vast majority
of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented with the
right education and awareness. Many individuals are of the
false mindset that heart disease only happens to elderly
people and men, when the reality is that it can strike
anyone of any gender or age.
Regan Judd, an athlete with a history of heart disease in
her family, was confronted with this reality at just 19
years old. Judd underwent open heart surgery for a
congenital condition and, like Harden, is now a
spokesperson for the AHA's Go Red for Women
movement.
The Women's Heart Disease Awareness
Study reported that doctors are less
likely to speak with young female
patients about their risk of
cardiovascular disease. Additionally,
women age 25-36 had the lowest rates
of heart health awareness out of any
age group. However, contrary to
common belief, racial and ethnic
minorities are more likely to listen to
doctors who discuss heart disease with
them and are most apt to take the risks
seriously.
If Harden could speak with her younger
self, knowing what she knows now, she
would say, "Know the signs, know the
numbers, and be your own advocate. If
you don't get your answers one way, go
to another doctor or facility and see if
you can get help. But don't ignore the
signs." There are different stages of a
heart attack, and the warning signals of
a fatal heart attack can be present from
weeks to months before it strikes. This
reality makes it all the more important
to understand the risks and know the
signs.
February is National Heart Health Month and Friday, Feb.
5 is Go Red for Women Day. The purpose of Go Red for
Women is to raise much-needed awareness among
women, of all ages, about their risk for cardiovascular
disease and encourage them to take control of their heart
health.
For Harden, this day holds special significance. "That day
always reminds me that I had a second chance at life,"
she said. "I came so close to death, so I appreciate that
day and still being here for my son. He came very close to
losing his mom. It's just an appreciation for life, being
here, and being able to help other women so they don't go
through the same situation that I did… Heart disease does
not discriminate, so it's very important for people to know
what the signs are, what your numbers should be, and
how to be your [own] advocate."
To schedule a well woman exam, call one of HCC's
Live Well Community Health Centers for an
appointment.
By Tempest Wright, Staff Writer
Listen to the Podcast
