Going Red: MCHD staff wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease in women

MOBILE, Ala. -- Employees of the Mobile County Health Department dressed in hues of red on Feb. 7, 2014, in support of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign that aims to raise awareness of how rampant heart disease is among women.

In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and is responsible for more deaths than all cancers combined, research shows. Most women don't realize they are just as likely as men to die from a heart attack or related health condition. MCHD officials urge women to know the signs of a heart attack and stroke.

Here are seven major symptoms of heart attack in women, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Unusual upper body discomfort, including jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Unusual or unexplained fatigue
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
• Feeling sick to the stomach

Those who want to learn more about women’s health and heart disease can visit www.goredforwomen.org or www.womenshealth.gov/heartattack/.