The American Heart Association is encouraged everyone to Go Red for Women on Friday. The goal on National Wear Red Day? Raising awareness about the number one killer of women in the United States, heart disease.

 

Jacqueline Alikhaani had no idea the discomfort in her chest was a sign of heart disease.”It was just a little burning, and like a little drip dripping,  It was a really weird feeling,” she remembers.

 

The 56-year-old has high blood pressure and diabetes, risk factors  more common in African-American women.  A new report from the American Heart Association  highlights the differences between ethnic groups when it comes to women and heart disease and stroke. 

 

Dr. Karol Watson, Cardiologist, UCLA School of Medicine says, “Things like diabetes, a really important risk factor for both men and women. But the risk is about three fold higher for a woman with diabetes as compared to a man with diabetes”

 

Obesity is also  a greater risk factor for  African-American and Hispanic women.

 

Many women are not aware some heart attack symptoms can be subtle. 

 

“A women might have a little chest discomfort or a little shortness of breath, or nausea or dizziness or fatigue, all really non-specific symptoms,” Dr. Watson explains.

 

Jacqueline hopes other women learn about the warning signs. “When you know something is not feeling right, you should really be persistent about getting somebody to check it out,” she advises.

 

Jacqueline now takes walks and watches her diet to stay healthy. 

 

The American Heart Association says 90 percent of women have one risk factor for heart disease or stroke and that every 79 seconds a woman in the U.S.  dies from one or the other. Fortunately 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events can be prevented by lifestyle changes and education.