TDH Encourages Women To Take Steps To Prevent Heart Attacks

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is also the number one killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

More than 14,000 Tennesseans died from heart disease in 2012 including more than 6,700 women. This February during American Heart Month, the Department of Health is reminding women to make heart health a priority.

“Heart disease comes in many forms and isn’t always a heart attack,” said Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, director of the Tennessee Immunization Program. “One out of a hundred people are like me, born with an abnormal heart valve that isn’t noticed until we’re older, and it’s important for us to take heart health seriously.”

Moore shares her own personal health story as an example that heart disease doesn’t just impact men and the elderly. She urges other women to know their risks of getting heart disease and take steps to prevent it.

“I take care of my heart with regular check-ups, preventive medication, a very healthy diet with loads of fresh fruit and vegetables and lots of low-intensity exercise including walking, yoga and Pilates,” said Moore. “I actually exercise more now than when I was young, and it’s working to keep my heart healthy!”

Smoking is the leading preventable risk factor for heart disease in people who smoke.  Tennesseans who smoke are urged to contact the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to enroll in this free service. Smoking cessation services are also available at your local health department. TDH reminds everyone to reduce other risk factors of heart disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Heart attack symptoms include pain, discomfort or tightness in the middle of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. However, heart attack symptoms in women may vary and include upper back pain, shoulder pain, jaw pain and pressure in the center of the chest.

To learn more about heart attack in women and ways to reduce your risk, visit
www.goredforwomen.org/home/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts-about-heart-disease/.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. For more information about TDH services and programs, visit http://health.state.tn.us/.