By S.C. DHEC Staff

Did you know that heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined?

It’s a startling statistic, and raising awareness can help save the life of a sister, daughter, mother, friend or coworker. 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.

One easy thing you can do to help is to wear red on National Wear Red Day this Friday, February 5 to raise awareness about the risk of heart disease and stroke for women. #GoRedWearRed #WearRedforWomen Who will you go red for?

Go Red for South Carolina
In S.C., there is work to do to help improve the health of the ladies in our lives. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death for all women in South Carolina, and is the leading killer for African-American women in the Palmetto State. More than 62 percent of women in S.C. are overweight or obese and about 53 percent do not get the recommended amount of exercise. One in three women have high blood pressure, and one in eight women live with diabetes.

Ways to prevent heart disease

Help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke-related deaths by following and sharing these important health recommendations:

• Stop smoking or using tobacco. There are free resources to help you quit – you can do it!
• Maintain a healthy weight with a Body Mass Index between 19 and 24. Find your body mass index on this chart. 
• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in fat, cholesterol and salt
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• Limit alcohol use
• Take your medicine
• Manage your diabetes
• Get regular health screenings and make sure to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked.

Know the warning signs of a heart attack:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
• Shortness of breath

And, if you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 right away!

For more information, please visit DHEC’s heart disease webpage.