Wear Red Day: Busting women’s heart health myths

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Friday is National Wear Red Day. It’s a movement to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women and urge them to take control of their heart health.

A doctor from Prevea Health breaks down some of the myths about heart disease.

There are a lot of myths surrounding women and heart disease, but the fact is nearly half of all women have some form of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or stroke. Their numbers are only expected to grow.

Myths about heart attack symptoms

Another myth is that heart attack symptoms are easy to recognize.

That’s not always the case.

“Many people don’t have obvious symptoms before a heart attack. Some symptoms can be really mild and sometimes mistaken for indigestion and fatigue,” Dr. Megan Butler, Prevea Health, said.

“Some of the symptoms women may experience are unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, jaw or back pain and even arm pain as well.”

Myths about medication

A common myth is that medication keeps your heart healthy. While it can help to control things like blood pressure and cholesterol, lifestyle habits play a critical role.

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It’s important to make healthy choices when you’re younger, because it has a big impact later.

If you need to make a change, it doesn’t need to be drastic.

“Small changes and starting early and being consistent and making good healthy choices in your life are going to make a huge powerful difference in your heart health. Connecting with your doctor and looking at all of your numbers that are related to your heart health,” Dr. Butler said.

‘Mything’ research on heart disease

Heart disease is not just a man’s problem, which is what some people think. It’s the leading cause of death for women, claiming more women’s lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.

Despite that, most heart health clinical studies haven’t included women or analyzed data specifically to women.

The American Heart Association’s research Goes Red initiative calls on women across the country to contribute to health research.

They can do that through surveys and studies and testing new technology to help improve disease management and health care.

Go Red for Women

Bridges in downtown Green Bay are lit up in red Friday.

People are encouraged to wear red on Friday, as well.

You can share on social media as well as use hashtags #WearRed and #GoRed to show support for women.