Wear Red for Heart Health In February

February is American Heart Month, and to kick off the campaign "Go Red for Women", the American Heart Association has asked women to wear red Friday, Feb. 6.  Lazarus-Macy's will be selling the collectible "Go Red Dress Bear" from Gund for $10 each.  Half of the proceeds of the bear sales in the month of February will be donated to the American Heart Association.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women.

"It is critical to get the word out to women about heart disease," said Lynne Wagoner, MD, associate professor of cardiology at the UC Medical Center.  "Women need to have their cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly."

Because the symptoms of a heart attack are different for women than for men, women may not get medical help when they need it.   Women having a heart attack often complain of nausea, indigestion, a strong feeling of anxiety, chest pressure, back or jaw pain, and difficulty breathing.  Men usually complain about a crushing pain in their chest, which radiates down their left arm.  

UC Heart and Vascular Center at University Pointe in West Chester will offer free cholesterol screenings every Friday in February.  Call (513) 475-7862 for an appointment.