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NONPROFIT

lifestyle, awareness of 20 FAST FACTS ABOUT WOMEN & HEART DISEASE
the leading cause of
death, warning signs
of a heart attack, and
what women would
do if they experi-
enced heart attack
symptoms.

Among the women
surveyed:
• 61 percent said
the reason they
would take pre-
ventive action
was to feel better,
compared to 45
percent who
would be moti-
vated to take pre-
ventive action in
order to live
longer.
• Racial and ethnic
minorities re-
ported higher
levels of trust in
their healthcare
providers com-
pared with whites, and were also more “The American Heart Association has thors and do not necessarily reflect the associ-
likely to act on the information pro- well-established, evidence-based guide- ation’s policy or position. The association
vided dispelling the myth that mis- lines about heart disease prevention, so we makes no representation or guarantee as to
trust of providers contributes to have to better align women’s actions with their accuracy or reliability. The association
disparities. what is evidence-based.” receives funding primarily from individuals;
foundations and corporations (including
• Self-reported depression was com- The American Heart Association’s Go
pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and
mon (26 percent) among respon- Red For Women movement encourages
other companies) also make donations and
dents and has been previously women of all ages to know and reduce their
fund specific association programs and events.
reported as a barrier to adherence to risk for heart disease and provides tools to
The association has strict policies to prevent
medical guidelines. lead a heart healthy life. The campaign, these relationships from influencing the science
now entering its 10th year, offers a variety content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and
Mosca said efforts need to be age-ap- of ways to become actively involved in device corporations are available at
propriate and culturally sensitive to reach helping all women make healthier choices. www.heart.org/corporatefunding.
younger women and more minorities
who are at high risk for heart disease. Disclaimer Jennifer Milikien is director of commu-
“There are gaps between women’s per- Statements and conclusions of study authors nications, Southwest Affiliate, American
sonal awareness and what they’re doing in published in American Heart Association sci- Heart Association/American Stroke Asso-
terms of preventive steps,” said Mosca. entific journals are solely those of the study au- ciation.

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