State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) is encouraging citizens to “Go Red for Women” by wearing red on Feb. 1. “Go Red for Women” Day is celebrated by the American Heart Association and is designed to increase women’s awareness and research about cardiovascular health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American women, according to the CDC.
“Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education, healthy eating habits, and regular exercise,” said Carter. “My grandmother died of a massive heart attack. My mother died in her sleep. I was fortunate to make it to the hospital in time for the doctors to stop the attack on my heart. However, it was discovered that I had a 100 percent blockage. Heart decease is truly the silent killer. I had no idea that I was having a heart attack. I am committed to share what I have learned in hopes of helping someone else to survive like I did. I am grateful to be alive to share my story.”
Dr. Ijeoma Isiadinso, a board certified cardiologist at the Emory Heart and Vascular Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, will educate attendees on heart disease in women and prevention. Isiadinso said 64 percent of women have no symptoms prior to their heart attacks, which can lead to sudden death.
Carter is encouraging citizens to consider making a donation to Go Red for Women in the remembrance of the families whose loved ones have died of heart attacks or strokes. She is also reminding women to schedule well-woman visits, prevention check-ups to review overall health, blood pressure, cholesterol and to look for signs of heart disease, stroke and other illnesses.
Carter plans to host a “Go Red for Women” rally on Friday, Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The location for the event will be announced at State Rep. Doreen Carter’s Facebook page.