Q: What’s so significant about the “Go Red” campaign?
A: Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. The national “Go Red” campaign is an effort to educate women about the seriousness of this disease and provide steps they can take to improve their health.
Through this powerful movement, women can learn how to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke and make positive actions to live stronger, longer lives.

Q: What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
A: Any of the following symptoms may occur in women and men, but some are more likely to occur in women. The classic symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Squeezing chest pain or pressure

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

• Tightness in chest

• Recurring chest discomfort

• Pain spreading to shoulder, neck or arms

Additional symptoms more likely in women are:

• Indigestion or gas-like pain

• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting

• Unexpected weakness, fatigue

• Discomfort or pain between shoulder blades

• Sense of impending doom

Q: What should I do if I or someone I know is experiencing these symptoms?
A: If you or a loved one experience any of the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack do not delay.

• Call 9-1-1 and get to the emergency room quickly to minimize possible damage to the heart.

• Consider taking aspirin at the first sign of heart attack symptoms.

• Ask your doctor to review heart attack symptoms during your annual checkup. Discuss these with your friends and family along with the importance of calling 9-1-1 if the symptoms occur.

Q: What is the first step to better heart health?
A: The first step to a healthy heart is to know your numbers. These “numbers” refer to your personal health related statistics including total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, body mass index, waist circumference, and minutes of daily exercise.  Visit your healthcare provider to help you evaluate your numbers. A comprehensive evaluation of your overall heart health can help you now and in the future.  By knowing your numbers and assessing your risk now, you can work with your doctor to significantly reduce your chances of getting heart disease tomorrow, next year, or 30 years from now.


To learn more about Roseau Area Hospital’s involvement in the “Go Red” campaign and how you can participate, contact Deb Haugen or Roxanne Fabian at (218) 463-2500.

This column includes information provided by the American Heart Association.