Valentine’s Day is not the only day in February when the heart matters. Feb. 1 is National Women’s Heart Health Day and the Women’s Resource Center wants to help you take care of yours.
The WRC is offering a free seminar in honor of Heart Health Day to help ladies recognize the symptoms of heart disease and how to prevent it.
On Feb. 7, Lori Hamilton, R.N.C and director of the Johnson City Medical Center/Mountain States Health Alliance Resource Center, will be hosting the seminar along with Denise Highsmith, R.N., and plan on showing women how to take “proactive steps to living longer, healthier and more vibrant lives.”
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in both men and women, especially after age 40, according to webmd.com.
There are several different types of heart disease, the most common being coronary artery disease, which is a narrowing of arteries leading to the heart. This can restrict blood flow to the heart and deprive it of oxygen and nutrients, causing an ischemia, or a pain in the heart similar to a cramp.
Another form of heart disease is heart muscle disease which causes the heart to be abnormally large, thick or stiff. The ability to pump blood is weakened and can lead to heart failure or a back-up of fluid in the lungs.
Pericardial disease is also a form of heart disease that is triggered by infection, heart surgery, trauma, cancer or having an auto-immune disease and is an inflammation of the membrane sac that surrounds the heart. The inflammation may prevent the heart from expanding and working properly.
The last common form of heart disease is aorta disease. Aorta disease begins with an aneurysm that weakens the artery wall. This may result in blood clots that can break off, the aneurysm growing and pressing on other organs or the aneurysm could rupture and lead to serious bodily damage or death.
“Women are now more at risk than ever for dying of heart disease,” said Harriet Masters, director of the WRC. “I think the stress of balancing work and family has taken a toll and increased the number of women who get it.”
Women and men who have a history of heart disease in the family have a higher probability of having it themselves and should let their doctor know as well as watch for warning signs.
“Even younger women with a family history should clue their doctor in,” Masters said. “Your doctor can give you tips to help reduce your chances of getting heart disease.”
Some symptoms of heart disease are irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, weakness or dizziness, and nausea or sweating. A heart attack will also have these symptoms as well as discomfort or tightness in the chest, arm, back or jaw area and may be accompanied by a feeling of indigestion. If these symptoms last longer than a half hour or the pain is not affected by oral medication such as aspirin, call 911 immediately, as quick action can help prevent permanent heart damage.
Treatment of heart disease depends on the type of disease and its stage of progression. Most doctors will recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise, an approved aspirin regimen and to quit smoking. Another factor that triggers heart disease is stress, so learning to cope with stressful situations or taking stress management classes will lower the chances.
“Just be aware of what your body is telling you,” said Masters. “If you are having any symptoms at all, talk to your doctor; early treatment can save your life.”
For more information on the seminar or heart disease, contact the WRC at 439-7847 or go to www.webmd.com.

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