[2024-02-13] Wear Red Canada 2024

Today is Wear Red Canada. It is marked every year on February 13 to raise awareness about women’s heart health. It is led by the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, which is funded by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation. Events are held online and across the country to remind everyone in Canada, but especially women, to proactively manage their heart health and wellness.

I didn't know about Wear Red Canada until recently. And I knew little of the facts shared by the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance, such as:
  • Heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide and the leading cause of premature death in women in Canada.
  • Globally, cardiovascular diseases affect 1 out of 3 women, yet women everywhere are under-studied, under-diagnosed, under-treated, and under-aware.
  • Women and men can have different types of heart disease.
  • Men and women may have different symptoms during a heart attack. These symptoms may not be recognized in more than half of all women.
  • Heart disease is largely preventable. There is a lot we can all do to help reduce the risk.
Women can be at greater risk for heart disease. The following conditions lead to a greater risk of heart disease:
  • Certain pregnancy complications
  • Earlier menopause (before the age of 45)
  • Cysts in ovaries and hormonal imbalance (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
  • Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (ex. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Diabetes
Symptoms of heart attack most often reported by women are:
  • Chest pain or discomfort (ex. pressure, tightness, or burning)
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, arm, or back
  • Abnormal excessive sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach pain or discomfort, or feelings of nausea or indigestion
Other accompanying or associated symptoms may be:
  • Unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Back, shoulder or right arm pain
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
What can you do to reduce your risk?
  • Be active, keep moving
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods
  • Manage stress
  • Live free from commercial tobacco and vaping
  • Limit alcohol
  • Get regular check ups (test for blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol)
As the Wear Red Canada website says, "To take care of others, you need to first take care of yourself."