Why this heart information is huge for women! (and men)

When I was 17 I lost my mom to a sudden heart attack. I came home from track and found her lying on the bedroom floor, this is an image that will stay with me forever. I called 911 and my Dad took over while I hid in my brother's room. She passed away that night in our house.

My mom was 50 years old (barely, she turned 50 just a few months earlier). To say this was a surprise was and still is an understatement. I often wonder if my Mom had paid more attention would she be around with me today? That's why I want to share some important information in regards to heart health so you can always be prepared! 

Cardiovascular diseases and strokes cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.Let that sink in, this is an INSANE number.

• An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases.
• 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke. That percentage should make your jaw drop, mine sure did.
• Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.

80% of heart disease and stroke may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education

• Prevention starts by scheduling a visit with your doctor today.
• Collecting your family health history – More than 95 percent of Americans consider family health history important, yet just over a third actively collect this information.
• Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack. My dad survived his first attack, my mom died...
• Try adjusting you life to these 7 rules: (1) Manage blood pressure, (2) Control cholesterol, (3) Reduce blood sugar, (4) Get active, (5) Eat better, (6) Lose weight and (7) Stop smoking

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to facts and stats about Heart Disease!

Make sure you get a yearly checkup, listen to your body and make the healthy lifestyle changes so that you can live an amazing (long) life with the people that matter the most to you.

american heart association source