Did you know that one in every three deaths in women is attributed to heart disease?  This makes it the leading cause of death in women according to the Center for Disease Control.

This Friday, the American Heart Association is encouraging people of all ages, men and women alike, to wear red to promote awareness about heart disease and stroke risk for women in hopes of lowering its occurrence across the nation.  So many women think, “It will never happen to me”, and thus are not taking precautionary steps to lower their risk.  Diet and exercise play a huge role in maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy heart.

As you put on your red high heels or sparkly red necklace this week and month, make sure you pay attention to why you are wearing red.  Don’t get stuck in the “how did this happen to me?” category!  Here are 5 things to know about wearing red and supporting the cause:

1. All caught up: Many women get caught up in pink and worry more about cancer than heart health. Though breast cancer awareness is extremely important and should be monitored on a normal basis, breast cancer kills one in 31 women while one in every three die from heart disease. In fact, roughly one woman dies each minute from heart disease.
2. You’re young, who cares: It does not matter how young you are, heart disease effects women of all ages. All women need to know their numbers: total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and their waist circumference as these can all attribute to heart disease when out of whack! Take time to go to the doctor and get checked out annually, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
3. You don’t feel anything: Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly from heart disease had no previous symptoms. Check with your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms like back or jaw pain, chest pain, extreme fatigue or dizziness as these can all be symptoms of heart disease or a heart attack. 
4. You just don’t have time: No time for a heart attack? Then make time to get to the doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many women say they “can’t” get to the doctor because of taking care of family, chasing kids, a busy work schedule, etc., but heart disease does not wait for you to have time so be proactive about your health!
5. You have bad genes: Many women think if heart disease is in their family, then they are destined to get it too. However, that is not the always the case!  Though women with a family history do have a greater risk, a healthy lifestyle of nutrient-rich foods, exercise and monitoring blood pressure can decrease that risk. Take time for you as you’re the only YOU will ever have!