Nearly two-thirds of women who die suddenly from heart disease have no previous symptoms, so it’s critical to prevent heart disease in the first place.
  Patrick Withrow, M.D., cardiologist with The Heart Group, said simple lifestyle changes can help lower the risks of heart disease. The recommendations involve lifestyle changes, including the following top priorities:

• Don’t smoke. Smokers who quit can cut their heart disease risk in half after one year.
• Be active at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week.
• Eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in fruits, veggies, grains, low-fat dairy and lean sources of protein.
• Balance your activity level with what you eat to maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing extra pounds can help lower your risk. If you need help losing weight, a doctor can help you build a plan to slim down. 

  Withrow recommends keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in check. If you don’t know where you stand, your physician can screen for these risk factors with simple tests. Withrow also suggests that using medicines may help treat some risk factors for heart disease.
  “For example, women at high risk may be treated with ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins, aspirin and other medications,” said Withrow.
Western Baptist “Goes Red For Women”
  In early February, Western Baptist Hospital hosted a morning of free heart-healthy screenings and information in recognition of National Wear Red Day, to raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association.
  More than 300 people took advantatge of free cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, as well as the EKG rhythm strip testing and educational booths.
Thanks to the more than 30 volunteers who staffed the screenings, as well as our bake sale and basket raffle. The WBH Heart Walk Team raised more than $2,000.