Aspen Mountain Medical Center-Goes Red For Women

Consider the presence of a condition responsible for the death of one woman approximately every minute. Without a doubt this would cause uproar, particularly if you imagine each woman as a mother, sister, aunt or grandmother. The scenario sounds like a story ripped from the pages of a blockbuster thriller, solved only when the hero races against the clock to save the women.

Reality Check

Unfortunately, the scenario above is a real and troubling fact. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year. These numbers equate to a frightening stat of one woman dying approximately every minute.

Dispelling Heart Disease Myths

When it comes to uncomfortable situations, it’s easy to be in denial. For many years, heart disease was considered a “man’s disease,” and something that happened in one’s later years. These false stories downplay the seriousness of heart disease. This is particularly true when considering heart disease is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined and strike more women than men. Other myths include the idea you can out-smart or out-exercise the disease and people who don’t display noticeable symptoms remain safe. In reality, heart disease is indiscriminant in lifestyle factors and age.

Trust your Gut

Heart disease is subtle and includes many risk factors that add up to the potential for big problems. For example, factors can include being on birth control, genetic cholesterol levels, blood pressure numbers, smoking, and exercise routine.

In women, heart attack symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the back or jaw. Symptoms often start slowly and can persist for hours, days and even weeks. This quiet progression often translates into ignoring the symptoms. For women who regularly choose to put others before themselves, the choice can be deadly.

Go Red for Women

The need for heart disease awareness cannot be overstated. That’s why each February, women throughout the U.S. choose to Go Red for Women. The Feb. 3 campaign highlights the importance of heart disease awareness year-round, promoting awareness of important lifestyle changes and mobilizing individuals and communities in the critical fight against heart disease.

Knowing your risk makes it easier to prevent heart disease. Take charge of your heart health today by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor.

At Aspen Mountain Medical Center, our simple mission is to serve the residents of Southwest Wyoming, providing the best access to multiple specialties from a home base of Rock Springs. Our 12 unique specialty offerings include anesthesiology, family medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, and gynecology, internal medicine, orthopaedics, otolaryngology (ENT), pain management, pediatrics, podiatry and spine. Talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling a procedure at Aspen Mountain Medical Center, providing affordable and high-quality healthcare close to home.