WHEN: Friday, February 4, 2022
WHAT: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. According to the American Heart Association, it kills one woman every 80 seconds and ultimately causes one in three deaths a year. These cases are preventable 80 percent of the time. “Go Red for Women” is an initiative to raise awareness about this issue affecting millions of women and families, aiming to prevent possible heart attack and stroke.
INTERVIEWS: Mount Sinai cardiologists are available for interviews on Go Red Day to share tips on what women need to know about heart disease prevention. They are also available to speak throughout American Heart Month in February. Spanish-speaking experts are available as well.
*Please let me know if you are interested and I can arrange interviews
TOPICS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, our cardiologists continue to see increased sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating habits, more stress, and weight gain among female patients, putting them at higher risk for heart conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released data showing 25 percent of adults are physically inactive. Mount Sinai cardiologists want to emphasize that women should focus on exercise, nutrition and find ways to limit stress to avoid possible heart complications as a result—they say 25 percent of their patients have gained up to 20 pounds because they’re less active and not eating a healthy diet. A decline in mental health is also a contributing factor for worse eating habits and a lack of exercise.
Cardiologists also want to emphasize the need for women to pay attention to any sensations or pounding in their chest. These could be high blood pressure or heart palpitations, something often dismissed in women, and can lead to atrial fibrillation (AFib)—an abnormal and often rapid heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart, stroke, and heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib. However, experts at Mount Sinai say the condition is often underdiagnosed in women, who experience atypical symptoms including fatigue and weakness. Cardiologists stress that it is important for women to be aware of symptoms and see a doctor if they notice any abnormalities, to prevent life-threatening complications, and be vigilant about getting a proper diagnosis. Although AFib is more likely to develop in older people, anyone with obesity or hypertension is at risk.
Hormones can also trigger heart palpitations in women, including those in their 20s. This can often happen before women get their period due to a change in estrogen. Cardiologists want women to be aware of this and visit a doctor if they notice any symptoms.
“All women should use today as a notice to schedule an evaluation of their heart. Importantly, an evaluation should include lipid levels, blood pressure, an electrocardiogram, and a review of family heart disease, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of rheumatologic disease to determine need for cardiac imaging tests. Take time for your heart, now,” says MaryAnn McLaughlin, MD, Medical Director of the Cardiac Health Program, and Co-Director of the Women's Cardiac Assessment and Risk Evaluation Program at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
GO RED FOR WOMEN EVENT: This year, “Go Red for Women” is going virtual. Mount Sinai experts will share tips on women and heart disease prevention. To participate virtually, click on the link below to register for our Go Red for Women Virtual Event Friday, February 4, at 11am.
About the Mount Sinai Health System
The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest academic medical system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. We advance medicine and health through unrivaled education and translational research and discovery to deliver care that is the safest, highest-quality, most accessible and equitable, and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,300 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 free-standing joint-venture centers; more than 410 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked in U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of the top 20 U.S. hospitals and among the top in the nation by specialty: No. 1 in Geriatrics and top 20 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Urology, and Rehabilitation. Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital is ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” among the country’s best in four out of 10 pediatric specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked among the Top 20 nationally for ophthalmology. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools," aligned with a U.S. News & World Report "Honor Roll" Hospital, and No. 14 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding. Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside as top 20 globally, and “The World’s Best Specialized Hospitals” ranks Mount Sinai Heart as No. 1 in New York and No. 4 globally and the Division of Gastroenterology as No. 3 globally, and the Division of Pulmonary Medicine as No. 6 globally. For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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