Women (and men) across America were sporting their red Friday for National Wear Red Day 2018, which is intended to help raise awareness of heart disease, in particular among women. Heart disease is often generally associated with men, but cardiovascular disease is presently the number one killer of women.

Today St. Cloud Regional Medical Center is “showing its colors” and its heart by wearing red in hopes that it will help raise awareness and possibility help save lives! All St. Cloud Regional Medical Center employees are educated on knowing the signs of an early heart attack and are proud that the hospital is an accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology.

Every year, nearly 500,000 American women die from heart disease and stroke.

Launched in 2004 by the American Heart Association (AHA), National Wear Red Day also aims to raise funds for research into the misunderstood disease.

Here are five more heart disease facts from the American Heart Association in honor of National Wear Red Day:

  • Only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is the No. 1 killer for American women.
  • Fewer than half of American women know what a healthy blood pressure or cholesterol level is.
  • Your BMI (Body Mass Index) isn’t just helpful when it comes to diets or losing weight – it’s also linked to your risk of heart disease.
  • It’s a myth that strokes, which affect the arteries linked to the brain, only happen to older people. Strokes can happen even in infants.
  • Women are also more likely to suffer from a stroke, contrary to popular myths.

Make 2018 your healthiest year… be aware of the causes and symptoms of heart disease and visit your physician regularly.

Call St. Cloud Medical Group for more information or to schedule an appointment at 407.891.2900 or visit StCloudPhysicians.com.