The Heart of Go Red, Women Fighting Back

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

LOUISVILLE, KYHow we got started...Recognizing the need for a national organization to share research findings

and promote further study, six cardiologists representing several groups founded the American Heart Association in 1924.

Our mission…To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Our impact goal…By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20%

while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%.

How we do it…Raise funds for research, education and advocacy to fight cardiovascular

diseases and stroke – America’s #1 and #3 causes of death.

Locally, we raise over $1.2 million through our 3 signature events. Current AHA research awards at the University of Louisville exceed $1.6 million. In Kentucky, over $4.2 million

• What Is Heart Disease?

• Why Is It Important?

• What Have We Learned?

• What Is A Heart Attack?

• Am I At Risk?

• How Can I Prevent It?

• The Heart Of Go Red

• Taking Action With Go Red

The Heart of Go Red: Women Fighting Back

Images of Heart Disease

What Is Heart Disease?

Coronary Heart Disease High Blood Pressure Heart Failure Rheumatic - Fever/Heart

Disease Diseases of Pulmonary

Circulation

Why Is It important?

Cardiovascular disease causes 459,096 deaths per year

One in 2.7 women die from cardiovascular disease

64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the

disease

The Facts about Heart Disease and Women

Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable

What Have We Learned?

Heart disease can strike women at any age

Factors leading to heart disease originate in young women and develop over time

Lifestyle changes can prevent or at least postpone heart disease

What Is A Heart Attack?

Know the Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort• Discomfort in upper body• Shortness of breath• Cold sweat• Nausea• Lightheadedness

Heart Attack

Am I At Risk?

Controllable Risk Factors

• Cholesterol• Blood Pressure• Physical (In)activity• Obesity and Overweight• Type II Diabetes• Smoking

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Increasing Age• Heredity• Race

High Cholesterol

Your Risk: Cholesterol

About 48.6% of women have a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and above.

Total Cholesterol LevelDesirable =

Less than 200

Borderline high =

200 to 239

High =

240 and above

Your Risk: Cholesterol

Women’s Knowledge of Cholesterol Levels

Do you know what your HDL or “good cholesterol”

is?

Yes 23%

Don’t Know 1%

No 76%

Do you know what your LDL or “bad cholesterol” is?

Yes 23%

Don’t Know 1%

No 76%

Your Risk: High Blood Pressure

Normal Blood Pressure

Below 120/80

Pre-Hypertension

120-139/80-89

Hypertension

Above 140/90

About 39 million women, age 20 and older, have it.

High Blood Pressure

Your Risk: Physical (In)Activity

Inactive women: White females – 38% Black females – 52% Hispanic females – 54% Asian females – 41%

Your Risk: Obesity & Overweight

About 69 million women are overweight and 36.7 million are obese.

Excess Weight: Strains your heart Raises blood pressure

and cholesterol Can lead to diabetes

Your Risk: Diabetes

7.5 million women 20+ have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 2.3 million go undiagnosed and 24.9 million are pre-diabetic.

Type 2 Diabetes Complications of Diabetes

Benefits of QuittingWithin 1 to 2 years of quitting, your risk

of coronary heart disease is substantially reduced.

Your sense of smell and taste come back.A smoker’s cough will go away.You breathe much easier. It is easier to be physically active.You are free of “needing” cigarettes.

Your Risk: Smoking

20.7 million women, age 18 and older, smoke.

What Can I Do To Prevent It?

Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Keep your weight under control. Be physically active at least 30 minutes on most or all days

of the week. Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Get regular medical check-ups. Talk to your doctor about a prevention plan and medicines

that may be right for you. Don’t smoke, and avoid tobacco smoke.

Take ACTION to Lower Your Risk

The Heart of Go Red, A Community of Stories

At the age of 34 I had a massive heart attack which left me with extensive left ventricle damage.

– Angel

My mother was only 47 years old when she died from sudden cardiac arrest.

– KristenAt 44 years old I am now a statistic. I had a 100% blockage in one of my arteries. Now my life is forever changed.

- Cheryl

Go Red For Women: Women United in the Fight Against Heart Disease

Join the movemen

t

Take the Heart

CheckUp

Share Your Story

www.GoRedforWomen.org