February is all about hearts. Pink hearts, red hearts, sentimental hearts, funny hearts, frilly hearts and most importantly, HEALTHY HEARTS.   This Friday, February 5, Americans will participate in National Wear Red Day, a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of the No.1 killer of women in the United States.

Both the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute websites have valuable information about how to be heart healthy, to know your risk for heart disease and the unique symptoms of heart attacks in women.

According to Go Red for Women, here are some signs a heart attack may be happening:

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. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort. 

Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

You can also support the fight against heart disease in women by having a Wear Red Day any day at the office, within your social club, your church group, or any small or large organization.  Wear red proudly, accessorized with our Healthy Heart Red Zulugrass wrapped around your wrist or neck.

®, ™ The Heart Truth, its logo, The Red Dress, and Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear—It’s the #1 Killer of Women are trademarks of HHS.
®National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA.