SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A lot of people were wearing red on Friday and all for a good cause. It was the kick off for the American Heart Association’s ‘Go Red’ campaign.
Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston hosted an event at their Medical Pavilion where doctors and survivors talked about the importance of women taking care of their hearts.
On average 1,100 women die every day in the U.S. as a result of a heart-related diseases. Dr. Kishore Challa, a cardiologist at Thomas, said heart disease is the number one killer of women.
“Statistically one in 30-women will die of breast cancer. Whereas, one in three will die of cardiovascular disease.” Challa called it a disheartening number.
He believes the ‘Go Red’ campaign makes a huge difference once women hear about the statistics and the benefits of taking action.
“Because of this [campaign] 40 percent of women will make one lifestyle change, 50 percent of women will go and discuss heart problems with their doctors and 40 percent of them will have their cholesterol checked,” according to Dr. Challa.
The American Heart Association wants women to take time out this month to go get a check-up and learn about their risk of heart disease. They hope that will lead to lifestyle changes like healthy eating, exercise and if they need to take it, medication, to reduce their risk.
Dr. Challa stressed sometimes getting women to the doctor is the hardest part because they put their family first and themselves second.
“When you take care of the quarterback, I call women quarterbacks, then you take care of the rest of the team [the family].”
To learn more about heart disease and what you can do to prevent it, log on to www.GoRedForWomen.org.