LEWISTON – In recognition of National Heart Month, today is National Wear Red Day, meant to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

“Heart disease isn’t just a man’s disease,” said Dr. Nedaa Skeik. “Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are devastating to women, too.”

In fact, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women age 20 and older. Skeik, an internist at Sabattus Street Primary Care, says women can exhibit atypical symptoms like neck, shoulder or arm pain, or even mild shortness of breath, without the typical chest pain. This can lead to a neglect of symptoms and delay of the diagnosis.

“Many women believe that cancer is more of a threat,” Skeik said. “But in fact, nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease and stroke as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.”

Women can modify, treat or control most risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and a high-fat diet. Knowing some blood-work numbers and achieving the target goals for those numbers can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

To find out the risk of heart disease, women should see their health care provider or take part in a Take Charge! Cardiovascular Health Risk Screening Program at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Take Charge! is a quick and easy assessment of health. The program tests cholesterol, pulmonary measurement (lungs), blood pressure, sleep habits, body mass index, smoking impact, and physical activity level. Participants receive a full report on the results of these tests and recommendations on ways to improve their health.

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