PITTSBURGH (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) Today, Friday Feb. 5, is National Wear Red Day for women's heart health.
The campaign on this day urges everyone to wear red and help raise awareness of heart disease in women.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reminding everyone that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Pennsylvania and the U.S.
"Heart disease can affect us all, but this disease is the leading cause of death and greatest health threat for women in Pennsylvania and the United States," Acting Sec. Alison Beam said. "It is essential that women know the signs and symptoms of heart disease, as they are often different from those in men."
In a statement released on Friday, the Health Department pointed out the importance of looking for symptoms and warning signs.
Some women may not experience any, but the main symptoms are a dull and heavy chest pain, pain in the neck, jaw, or throat, and pain in the upper abdomen or back.
Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are also known symptoms in women.
Men may experience chest pain.
Sometimes heart disease goes unnoticed until further symptoms occur, like heart attack or heart failure.
The Health Department also noted that it is important to visit your doctor to have blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.
Other steps that can be taken to prevent heart disease are:
Choose healthy foods and drinks;
Be physically active;
Maintain a healthy weight;
Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke;
Control your cholesterol and blood pressure;
Drink alcohol only in moderation;
Manage stress.
"Today, we join the American Heart Association and others in encouraging others to wear red today to further spread awareness." Acting Sec. Beam said.
