Schliemann Center to Host Girls' Night Out: Heart to Heart

Each year heart disease takes the life of 1 in 3 American women, killing more than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, this means we lose women at the rate of one per minute. In most cases this disease can be prevented by nearly 80 percent with education and lifestyle changes. Celebrated each February, American Heart Month promotes awareness of heart disease, its risk factors and symptoms. Through local community events and classes, the Schliemann Center for Women’s Health Education (SCWHE) is also able to raise awareness.

It’s detrimental to women’s health to not know the risk factors for heart disease. Some controllable factors may include:

• High blood pressure. This silent killer increases your risk for heart attack or stroke.
• Smoking. According to the American Heart Association, smoking can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by up to four times.
• High cholesterol. The higher cholesterol the greater risk of coronary heart disease.
• Physical inactivity. Lack of exercise increases the risk of heart disease.
• Obesity. Excess body fat, especially around the waist, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
• Diabetes. Having diabetes, especially with uncontrolled blood sugar, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Women should also gain knowledge and recognition of heart attack symptoms. These symptoms often differ from those of men. While men may experience chest pain, indications of a heart attack in women may include weakness, shortness of breath and unusual fatigue.

In celebration of American Heart Month, the SCWHE is hosting Girls’ Night Out: Heart to Heart. This event will feature a Heart Health Panel led by cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Louis Elkins, M.D. on Thursday, February 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Baxter Regional Medical Center Lagerborg Dining Room. Help the Schliemann Center raise awareness by joining other women of the community. The event is free to the public, and a light dinner will be provided. However, space is limited, and reservations are required. To register, enroll online, call the SCWHE at (870) 508-2345, or email Stefany Isham, SCWHE Coordinator, at sisham@baxterregional.org.

For more information about women's heart health, visit www.goredforwomen.org or www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/hearttruth/.