Your Heart.

Today I attended a Trio (Transplant Recipients International Organization) meeting at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the topic was heart health for women. The Cardiologist who spoke emphasized the need for each and everyone of  us to care of our hearts. He gave us a plethora of information that I wish to share with you. Heart disease kills 1 in every 4 women in America. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American women-no matter what their race or ethnicity.

I challenge everyone to follow the doctor's orders and pledge to have their blood pressure, blood cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose(diabetes test), body mass index (BMI) and waste circumference, an electrocardiogram, and a stress test as soon as you can to make sure your heart is well, especially if you are between the ages of 40 and 60. Do it this month.

Please become aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease and pay attention to what your body is telling you as you navigate through your day to day activities. This may save your life. If you need more information the following websites will help:

www.hearttruth.gov (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).
www.americanheart.org (American Heart Association) Both men and women.
www.womenshealth.org (Office of Women's Health, DHHS  National Women's Health Information Center).
www.womenheart.org (Women'sHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease).

Please remember the risk factors:
Smoking
High blood pressure
High blood chloresterol
Overweight/obesity
Physical inactivity
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
Age (55 and older for women)

Again, I urge you to be proactive in your health care. It is vital and you are important! Here's to a healthy heart!