Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. So raise awareness, spread the word… and wear RED!

Rupal Thanawala, Volunteer, American Heart Association of Indianapolis, has a family history of heart disease/stroke and has made lifestyle changes to be healthier. She knows how important it is for people to understand the seriousness of heart disease and recognize the signs of a heart attack.

On today’s Indy Style, she tells us more about National Wear Red Day, American Heart Month and how we can all stay in control of our health.

February is American Heart Month

• Great time for all of us to think about our heart health
  o Leading cause of death in the United States and in Indiana
  o 1 in 3 deaths are from some form of cardiovascular disease
  o More than 17,000 deaths in Indiana from heart disease and stroke – more than Victory Field
• AHA puts particular attention on women through its Go Red for Women movement
  o 1 woman dies from CVD every 80 seconds
  o CVD claims more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined
• 80 percent of cardiac events are preventable
  o Make healthy lifestyle choices including a healthy diet and physical activity
   150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week
  • Start by walking
   Diet: focus on making small changes
  • Cut back on sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Cut back on sodium (hidden in processed foods)
  • Add more fruits and vegetables
  • Add more whole grains
• Know your numbers
  o Blood pressure (120/80)
   Once BP hits 130/90, risk for heart attack doubles
  o Cholesterol (<200)
  o Body Mass Index (<25)
  o Blood Sugar (<100)
• Heart attack symptoms can be different in women than in men
  o Not always chest pain
  o Could be nausea, arm pain, jaw pain, sweating, overtiredness
  o
  Key Events Coming Up This Month
• Red Dress Dash – Tuesday, Feb. 4
  o 8th annual Red Dress Dash
  o Noon – 1 pm at Emmis Communications on Monument Circle (40 Monument Circle)
  o Fun event that’s all about raising awareness about heart disease and stroke
   People need to realize it’s #1 killer
   Learn symptoms and warning signs
   Learn how to prevent heart disease and stroke by living healthier
  o Women and men put on a red dress – or anything red – and join us in a one-lap dash around the Circle
  o Meet in lobby of Emmis building for light snacks, photo booth, other activities
• Wear Red Day – Friday, Feb. 7
  o National event, millions of Americans wear red to raise awareness about heart disease
  o Share photos using #WearRedDay #IndyGoesRed
• Free Health Screenings
  o Every Thursday in February at CVS Minute Clinic locations
• Go Red For Women Experience and Luncheon
  o Friday, Feb. 28 at The Westin Downtown
  o Fashion show, educational information, survivors
  o Ticket information at heart.org/IndyGoesRed

More information at heart.org/IndyGoesRed.

Use hashtag #IndyGoesRed and follow the AHA on social media at, @ahaindy on Twitter, @ahaindiana on Instagram and @IndianapolisAmericanHeartAssociation on Facebook.

For more information about heart health, the Red Dress Dash and Wear Red Day, visit www.heart.org/indygoesred.