HARTFORD -- This year we celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Go Red for Women Movement. Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women. The Women's Heart Program at Saint Francis provides Cardiac risk assessment and cardiovascular disease risk reduction education free of charge to any woman over the age of 18 years.
Since started in 2006 is has served over 10,000 women. The Women's Heart Program is unique and provides health care professionals (Cardiologist, Exercise Physiologist, Registered Nurse and Registered Dietician) who come into the community to help reduce the risk of heart disease in women.
The phone number for the Women's Heart Program is 860-714-6389 and any woman interested can call.
This year Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center is the proud winner of the Women’s Choice Award and has been named America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care!
About heart disease:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men. Approximately 80% of heart attacks can be prevented with risk factor modification (risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, stress, obesity and being overweight, sedentary lifestyle, age, family history and gender).
Heart attack warning signs:
- Angina (chest discomfort that comes on with exertion and is relieved by rest and can radiate down the left arm). This occurs in most men and about half of women having a heart attack. Many women might in fact have symptoms during a heart attack like:
- Undue fatigue
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
If someone is concerned that they may be experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1. Minutes matter!
According to the Dept. of Public Health (2011): Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a great public health concern. CVD account for about one third of all Connecticut resident deaths.
Risk factors for CVD may be modifiable or non‐modifiable. Key modifiable risk factors are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and stress.
What can a woman do to prevent heart disease:
- Don’t smoke
- Know your numbers (blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar)
- Exercise aerobically 30 minutes every day
- Eat a heart healthy diet rich in vegetables and whole grains
- Get to a healthy body weight
- Get help from medical professionals like the Women’s Heart Program at Saint Francis (860) 714-6389
