Do you know what the number one killer is for women in the U.S.? Many might assume it to be breast cancer, or some other form of cancer. If that was your guess, you’re not alone, but you may be surprised to hear that it’s actually heart disease.

Heart disease and stroke, which both result from an interruption of blood flow, account for 1 in 3 of all deaths for women every year. Together, that makes them more deadly than all forms of cancers combined, as only 1 in 31 of annual deaths are due to breast cancer. Unfortunately, many women fail to realize their risk of heart disease and may assume it to be more of an issue for men only. That’s why it’s the goal of National Hearth Month and the “Go Red For Women” campaign to spread information and increases awareness about heart disease and good heart health.

In general, heart disease affects blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. Many of the problems that lead to heart disease are related to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the walls of arteries. This buildup narrows arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms from this process, it can stop the flow of blood completely, and this can cause a heart attack or stroke.

While those are the main issues that typically develop, heart disease can also lead to many other problems, such as congestive heart failure, heart valve issues and abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Many factors can put women at risk for developing heart disease, and approximately 90% of women have one or more of these. Though some factors are out of your control, others can be modified and reduce your risk.

In honor of “Go Red For Women,” CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services offers these tips to help you “Go Red,” spread awareness and prevent heart disease:

• Don’t smoke, as smoking can significantly increase heart disease risk
• Try to manage your blood sugar, keep your blood pressure under control and lower your cholesterol; use this helpful tool to get your own heart score
• Know your family history: check to see if anyone else in your family has had any issues and be aware of other genetic factors like ethnicity
• Live a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, losing weight if necessary and keeping a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Know the signs of a heart attack or stroke (different for women than men)
• Wear red for “Go Red Day” this Friday, Feb. 6 and throughout the entire month of February; be sure to explain to anyone why you’re wearing red
• Consider hosting a “Wear Red Day” or helping your community “Go Red”

About 43 million women in the U.S. are currently affected by heart disease. By taking better care of your body, knowing your risk and spreading the word, you can help yourself and those around you from falling into that category. That’s why at CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services LLC, with physical therapists in Laurel, Bowie/Glenn Dale and Hyattsville, MD, we encourage you to take matters into your own hands and “Go Red” this month. Call us at 301-853-0093 for more information or to schedule an appointment for any aches or pains.