Go Red For Women on Friday, February 6th
Heart Disease takes the lives of 1in 4 people each year
Learn the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease during American Heart Month

[February 04, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – February is American Heart Month and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. encourages everyone to reduce their risk of heart disease and learn the warning signs of a heart attack.

“Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Illinois and the United States. Every year, approximately 600,000 individuals die in the United States from heart disease. That amounts to 1 in every 4 deaths,” said Director Shah. “But there are things you can do to reduce your risk – even small steps like using spices instead of salt to season your food. Use American Heart Month as an opportunity to make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease.”

The risk for developing heart disease depends on overall health, family history and health behaviors. While family history can’t be changed, even modest changes to diet and lifestyle can improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease by as much as 80 percent.

Actions: Basic actions to lower your risk of heart disease include:

Don't smoke
Get active and eat healthy
Watch your weight
Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation

Symptoms: Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

Signs of a heart attack include:

Chest pain or discomfort
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Upper body pain or discomfort (arms, back, neck, jaw)
Cold sweats
Shortness of breath

If someone shows signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Even though heart disease is traditionally thought of as a “man’s disease,” approximately the same number of women, as men, die from it each year. Despite increases in the past decade, just over half of women recognize heart disease as the leading killer of women. To continue raising awareness of the significant role that heart disease plays in women’s health, IDPH is encouraging Illinoisans to celebrate National Wear Red Day with Go Red For Women on Friday, February 6, 2015.

For more information about heart disease, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/ diseases-and-conditions/heart-stroke. 

[Illinois Department of Public Health]