Our Hearts. Our Choice. Choose to speak up for your heart s health.

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2. 2 Go Red For Women is a passionate movement dedicated to helping women fight heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women in America. Go Red For Women calls on real women from across the country to become the Heart of Go Red by sharing their heart-health stories. By combining our passion with positive action, we can continue to educate other women about their risks and help them find their own personal path to better health for life. Go Red For Women is a passionate movement dedicated to helping women fight heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women in America. Go Red For Women calls on real women from across the country to become the Heart of Go Red by sharing their heart-health stories. By combining our passion with positive action, we can continue to educate other women about their risks and help them find their own personal path to better health for life.

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5. Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, we usually speak of cardiovascular disease as related to atherosclerosis (plaque buildups in the arteries). [Source: Wikipedia �AHA Science approved] Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, we usually speak of cardiovascular disease as related to atherosclerosis (plaque buildups in the arteries). [Source: Wikipedia �AHA Science approved]

7. Even more important to understand is the fact that heart disease is largely preventable. This presentation will help you assess your risk of heart disease and take action to prevent it. (NCHS. Compressed mortality file: underlying cause of death, 1979 to 2004; http://wonder.cdc.gov/mortSQL.html) Even more important to understand is the fact that heart disease is largely preventable. This presentation will help you assess your risk of heart disease and take action to prevent it. (NCHS. Compressed mortality file: underlying cause of death, 1979 to 2004; http://wonder.cdc.gov/mortSQL.html)

8. 8 Heart Attacks A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot as shown in this image. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense���the "movie heart attack" where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort.�Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.��� Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.�Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.��� Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.�� Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness������� Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies���every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Heart Attack Warning SignsSome heart attacks are sudden and intense���the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: [Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053] Heart Attacks A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot as shown in this image. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense���the "movie heart attack" where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort.�Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.��� Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.�Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.��� Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.�� Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness������� Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies���every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Heart Attack Warning SignsSome heart attacks are sudden and intense���the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: [Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053]

9. 9 Several factors increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack. The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. And, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. Uncontrollable risk factors include: Increasing age Heredity or family history Race (members of some races, particularly African Americans, are at higher risk) Controllable risk factors include: High blood cholesterol High blood pressure Physical inactivity Obesity and overweight Diabetes Smoking We will spend some time learning more about these controllable risk factors and what you can do to lower your risks. (Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=500) Several factors increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack. The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. And, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. Uncontrollable risk factors include: Increasing age Heredity or family history Race (members of some races, particularly African Americans, are at higher risk) Controllable risk factors include: High blood cholesterol High blood pressure Physical inactivity Obesity and overweight Diabetes Smoking We will spend some time learning more about these controllable risk factors and what you can do to lower your risks. (Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=500)

10. 10 Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body�s cells. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. The saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol you eat may raise your blood cholesterol level. Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. This happens because cholesterol and other fats can build up in the walls of arteries, narrowing the channel where the blood flows. If a narrowed artery gets blocked by a blood clot or other particle, the heart or brain loses its blood supply, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. You should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly (at least once every five years starting at age 20). Your total blood cholesterol level is one measure of risk. We have highlighted the desirable, borderline and high levels you need to be aware of. Total Blood Cholesterol Levels Less than 200 mg/dL = Desirable (lower risk) 200 to 239 mg/dL = Borderline high (higher risk) 240 mg/dL and above = High blood cholesterol (more than twice the risk as desirable level) It�s also important to understand that we have two sources of cholesterol: 1. HDL or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is �good� cholesterol because it seems to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Unlike other cholesterol levels, the higher your HDL, the better. HDL Cholesterol Risk Levels Less than 40 mg/dL for men Less than 50 mg/dL for women 2. The second source, LDL, stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL cholesterol means there�s a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL Cholesterol Risk Levels Less than 100 mg/dL = Optimal for people with heart disease or diabetes 100 to 129 mg/dL = Near or above optimal 130 to 159 mg/dL = Borderline high 160 to 189 mg/dL = High 190 mg/dL and above = Very High Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They�re also a major energy source. They come from food, and your body also makes them. As people get older, gain excess weight or both, their triglyceride levels tend to rise. Triglyceride Risk Levels Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal 150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline High 200 to 499 mg/dL = High 500 mg/dL and above = Very High This image illustrates the sources of cholesterol in your body and how each form of cholesterol contributes to our total cholesterol level. [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Cholesterol and Tri-glycerides, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07] Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body�s cells. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. The saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol you eat may raise your blood cholesterol level. Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. This happens because cholesterol and other fats can build up in the walls of arteries, narrowing the channel where the blood flows. If a narrowed artery gets blocked by a blood clot or other particle, the heart or brain loses its blood supply, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. You should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly (at least once every five years starting at age 20). Your total blood cholesterol level is one measure of risk. We have highlighted the desirable, borderline and high levels you need to be aware of. Total Blood Cholesterol Levels Less than 200 mg/dL = Desirable (lower risk) 200 to 239 mg/dL = Borderline high (higher risk) 240 mg/dL and above = High blood cholesterol (more than twice the risk as desirable level) It�s also important to understand that we have two sources of cholesterol: 1. HDL or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is �good� cholesterol because it seems to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Unlike other cholesterol levels, the higher your HDL, the better. HDL Cholesterol Risk Levels Less than 40 mg/dL for men Less than 50 mg/dL for women 2. The second source, LDL, stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL cholesterol means there�s a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. LDL Cholesterol Risk Levels Less than 100 mg/dL = Optimal for people with heart disease or diabetes 100 to 129 mg/dL = Near or above optimal 130 to 159 mg/dL = Borderline high 160 to 189 mg/dL = High 190 mg/dL and above = Very High Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They�re also a major energy source. They come from food, and your body also makes them. As people get older, gain excess weight or both, their triglyceride levels tend to rise. Triglyceride Risk Levels Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal 150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline High 200 to 499 mg/dL = High 500 mg/dL and above = Very High This image illustrates the sources of cholesterol in your body and how each form of cholesterol contributes to our total cholesterol level. [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Cholesterol and Tri-glycerides, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07]

11. 11 High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure levels are above the normal range. Blood pressures of 120-139 mm Hg and/or 80-89 mm Hg are considered prehypertension. Blood pressure is considered high if it is 140 mm Hg and/or 90 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure is called the �silent killer� because it increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). It may also increase the risk of developing fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis). The risk of heart failure also increases due to the increased workload that high blood pressure places on the heart. No one knows exactly what causes most cases of high blood pressure. It usually can�t be cured, but it can be controlled. Not treating high blood pressure is dangerous. You can live a healthier life if you treat and control it! Some people are at higher risk of having high blood pressure. They include: � People with close blood relatives who have HBP � African Americans � People over age 35 � Overweight people � People who aren�t physically active � People who use too much salt � People who drink too much alcohol � People with diabetes, gout or kidney disease � Pregnant women � Women who take birth control pills and who are overweight, had HBP during pregnancy, have a family history of HBP or have mild kidney disease High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure levels are above the normal range. Blood pressures of 120-139 mm Hg and/or 80-89 mm Hg are considered prehypertension. Blood pressure is considered high if it is 140 mm Hg and/or 90 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure is called the �silent killer� because it increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). It may also increase the risk of developing fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis). The risk of heart failure also increases due to the increased workload that high blood pressure places on the heart. No one knows exactly what causes most cases of high blood pressure. It usually can�t be cured, but it can be controlled. Not treating high blood pressure is dangerous. You can live a healthier life if you treat and control it! Some people are at higher risk of having high blood pressure. They include: � People with close blood relatives who have HBP � African Americans � People over age 35 � Overweight people � People who aren�t physically active � People who use too much salt � People who drink too much alcohol � People with diabetes, gout or kidney disease � Pregnant women � Women who take birth control pills and who are overweight, had HBP during pregnancy, have a family history of HBP or have mild kidney disease

12. 12 Physical inactivity is�a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and most Americans are not physically active enough to gain any health benefits. Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing, walking and many other�activities can help your heart. Whether it's included in a structured exercise program or�part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart. Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity can lower your risk of � Heart disease and heart attack � High blood pressure � High cholesterol � Overweight or obesity � Diabetes � Stroke [Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200013, Reviewed 10/7/07] Physical inactivity is�a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and most Americans are not physically active enough to gain any health benefits. Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing, walking and many other�activities can help your heart. Whether it's included in a structured exercise program or�part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart. Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity can lower your risk of � Heart disease and heart attack � High blood pressure � High cholesterol � Overweight or obesity � Diabetes � Stroke [Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200013, Reviewed 10/7/07]

13. Being overweight is another risk factor for heart disease. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they have no other risk factors. Excess weight puts more strain on your heart. It can raise blood pressure and blood cholesterol and can lead to diabetes. Losing weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart problems and other diseases. Prepare yourself by setting goals and deciding how to deal with potential roadblocks. It�s never wise to follow fad diets, starve yourself or try to lose weight too fast. Remember, you didn�t become overweight overnight. It�s important to make changes over the long term and not get discouraged by setbacks. Start by changing your eating habits and working physical activity into your daily routine. Keeping extra weight off can be as challenging as losing it. Many things will tempt you to go back to your old habits. It takes commitment to stick to your new, healthy lifestyle. Yet when you do, you may notice that you have greater self-control with food, feel stronger, have better eating habits and fewer mood swings, and are in better overall shape! [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Overweight and Obesity, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07] Being overweight is another risk factor for heart disease. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they have no other risk factors. Excess weight puts more strain on your heart. It can raise blood pressure and blood cholesterol and can lead to diabetes. Losing weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart problems and other diseases. Prepare yourself by setting goals and deciding how to deal with potential roadblocks. It�s never wise to follow fad diets, starve yourself or try to lose weight too fast. Remember, you didn�t become overweight overnight. It�s important to make changes over the long term and not get discouraged by setbacks. Start by changing your eating habits and working physical activity into your daily routine. Keeping extra weight off can be as challenging as losing it. Many things will tempt you to go back to your old habits. It takes commitment to stick to your new, healthy lifestyle. Yet when you do, you may notice that you have greater self-control with food, feel stronger, have better eating habits and fewer mood swings, and are in better overall shape! [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Overweight and Obesity, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07]

14. 14 Diabetes is also a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. That means it can be as serious as smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity or obesity. There are two forms of diabetes. Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, usually starts early in life. It results from the body�s failure to produce insulin. People with it must take insulin each day to regulate levels of blood glucose (sugar). Type 2 is the most common. It most often develops in middle-aged and older adults, and is often linked with obesity and physical inactivity. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn�t make enough insulin and doesn�t efficiently use the insulin it makes. Who Gets Diabetes Diabetes is increasing. This is because more people are obese, don�t get enough physical activity and are getting older. However, many younger people are developing diabetes at an alarming rate. This is probably because obesity and lack of physical activity are increasing problems for this group, too. People in several ethnic groups seem to be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes: � Hispanics � African Americans � Native Americans � Asians (especially South Asians) If you have diabetes, it�s very important to have regular check-ups and work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and reduce any other risk factors. Here are some steps you can take: � Control your weight and blood cholesterol with a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet. � If you take medicine, take it exactly as directed. Specific medicines may help you control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. Your doctor will advise you if one is right for you. If you have questions about the dosage or side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Additional Talking Points on Diabetes: Insulin and Diabetes Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. This happens because the hormone insulin converts sugar and other food into energy and helps glucose get into our bodies� cells. When you have diabetes, your body doesn�t make enough insulin or can�t use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugars to build up too high in your blood. [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Diabetes, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07] Diabetes is also a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. That means it can be as serious as smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity or obesity. There are two forms of diabetes. Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, usually starts early in life. It results from the body�s failure to produce insulin. People with it must take insulin each day to regulate levels of blood glucose (sugar). Type 2 is the most common. It most often develops in middle-aged and older adults, and is often linked with obesity and physical inactivity. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn�t make enough insulin and doesn�t efficiently use the insulin it makes. Who Gets Diabetes Diabetes is increasing. This is because more people are obese, don�t get enough physical activity and are getting older. However, many younger people are developing diabetes at an alarming rate. This is probably because obesity and lack of physical activity are increasing problems for this group, too. People in several ethnic groups seem to be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes: � Hispanics � African Americans � Native Americans � Asians (especially South Asians) If you have diabetes, it�s very important to have regular check-ups and work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and reduce any other risk factors. Here are some steps you can take: � Control your weight and blood cholesterol with a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet. � If you take medicine, take it exactly as directed. Specific medicines may help you control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. Your doctor will advise you if one is right for you. If you have questions about the dosage or side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Additional Talking Points on Diabetes: Insulin and Diabetes Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. This happens because the hormone insulin converts sugar and other food into energy and helps glucose get into our bodies� cells. When you have diabetes, your body doesn�t make enough insulin or can�t use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugars to build up too high in your blood. [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Diabetes, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07]

15. 15 Smoking cigarettes is the most preventable major risk factor of our No. 1 killer � heart and blood vessel diseases. The long list of diseases and deaths due to smoking is frightening. Thousands of nonsmokers, including infants and children, are harmed by exposure to cigarette smoke. Even if you don�t smoke, you could become one of the smoking-related deaths every year. It�s never too late to quit! No matter how much or how long you�ve smoked, when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop. In time your risk will be about the same as if you�d never smoked. Quitting smoking isn�t easy, but it�s worth it! Quitting will drastically reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel diseases. It will also lower your chance of having lung disease and cancer. Most of all, quitting can save your life and the lives of nonsmokers around you. Smoking cigarettes is the most preventable major risk factor of our No. 1 killer � heart and blood vessel diseases. The long list of diseases and deaths due to smoking is frightening. Thousands of nonsmokers, including infants and children, are harmed by exposure to cigarette smoke. Even if you don�t smoke, you could become one of the smoking-related deaths every year. It�s never too late to quit! No matter how much or how long you�ve smoked, when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop. In time your risk will be about the same as if you�d never smoked. Quitting smoking isn�t easy, but it�s worth it! Quitting will drastically reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel diseases. It will also lower your chance of having lung disease and cancer. Most of all, quitting can save your life and the lives of nonsmokers around you.

16. 16 Reducing Your Heart Disease and Stroke Risk You can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are some key steps you can take: � Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt. � Keep your weight under control. Don�t smoke, and avoid other people�s tobacco smoke. � Lower your blood pressure if you need to. Treat high blood pressure if you have it. � Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. � Get regular medical check-ups. � Follow your doctor�s orders for taking medicine. [Source: GRFW Know Your Fact Sheet, Heart Disease and Stroke, AHA Science Review complete 9/07] Reducing Your Heart Disease and Stroke Risk You can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are some key steps you can take: � Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt. � Keep your weight under control. Don�t smoke, and avoid other people�s tobacco smoke. � Lower your blood pressure if you need to. Treat high blood pressure if you have it. � Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. � Get regular medical check-ups. � Follow your doctor�s orders for taking medicine. [Source: GRFW Know Your Fact Sheet, Heart Disease and Stroke, AHA Science Review complete 9/07]

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