Cardiologist Dr. Kaitlyn Ibrahim and Natalie Havens, a mezzo-soprano and heart disease survivor discussed women’s heart health on behalf of the American Heart Association. We talked about sobering facts, cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined; less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health and it accounts for over on-third of maternal deaths and Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates AND women are less likely to be diagnosed with a heart condition or receive life-saving intervention in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Dr Ibrahim noted women are at greater risk not just in pregnancy, but also at menopaus due to hormonal changes. We discussed the efforts made by the American Heart Association to raise awareness and better heart health habits for women through STEM programs for girls and the Go Red For Women campaigns to teach women the warning signs of cardiovascular disease. To learn more about programming and events such as the upcoming Heart Balls, as well diet and lifestyle tips for better heart health go to Heart.org
