The Heart Foundation of Jamaica - Heart Disease Information for Women

	The American Heart Foundation started an initiative to increase awareness surrounding the incidence of Heart Disease in Women. This worldwide campaign is called “Go Red for Women, and has been adopted by the World Heart Federation of which The Heart Foundation of Jamaica is a member. In June 2009, The Heart Foundation of Jamaica will be celebrating “Go Red for Women” with a week of activities geared towards increasing awareness of what is mistakenly conceived to be a “male disease”. Warning Signs of heart disease for Women - Chest pressure, pain or discomfort that comes and goes - Pain localized to areas such as the arm, shoulder, jaw, stomach or back - Shortness of breath in the absence of pain - Nausea or passing out. Before menopause, a woman’s risk of coronary heart disease is lower than a man’s. After menopause, this risk increases significantly. There has however been an increasing prevalence of Heart disease in women before the age of menopause. Women need to understand more than just the symptoms of heart disease. They need to know the risk factors and how those factors can be dealt with or avoided: AGE Age may increase the risk The older you get the more likely you are to develop heart disease. Post-menopausal women are much more likely to develop the disease as their reduced oestrogen levels no longer provide them with a natural protection. FAMILY HISTORY Family History may increase the risk of a heart attack.

	PREVIOUS HEART DISEASE OR STROKE Previous heart disease or stroke increases the likelihood of future occurrences. SMOKING Smoking is a higher risk factor for heart disease in women than in men. A woman who smokes is at two to four times more risk than men of having a heart attack. PHYSICAL INACTIVITY Physical inactivity nearly doubles the risk. DIABETES Diabetes increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. Women who have diabetes have twice the chance of having a heart attack than women who don’t. continue reading 1/2