The American Heart Association (AHA) and Woman’s Day held a Twitter Q&A to answer heart health questions in honor of American Heart Month’s Wear Red Day today (Feb. 5). By following along with #HeartChat, medical organizations and professionals from across the nation chimed in to offer advice on heart health. Check out some of the best pieces of advice from the Twitter chat below.
Want to see more of the chat? You can search #HeartChat on Twitter for the full thread.
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Welcome to the #WearRedDay Twitter chat! #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
Question 1: What is the picture of heart disease in America today? Is it more prevalent in some groups than others?
Question 1: What is the picture of heart disease in America today? Is it more prevalent in some groups than others? #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
A1: Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. #HeartChat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016
A1: 5.9% of Hispanic women and 7% of African American women have heart coronary heart disease compared to 4.6% of White women. #HeartChat
— NIH NHLBI (@nih_nhlbi) February 5, 2016
Question 2: What are the risk factors for heart disease?
Question 2: What are the risk factors for heart disease? #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
A2: Are you a smoker? Are you overweight? Are you physically active? Do you eat healthy? #HeartChat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016
A2: It’s important to know there are 2 types of heart disease risk factors: modifiable factors & unmodifiable factors. #HeartChat
— NIH NHLBI (@nih_nhlbi) February 5, 2016
A2: What is your family health history? Ask! Only a third of Americans collect this important, life-changing information. #HeartChat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016
Question 3: What is the prevalence of heart disease risk factors in America?
Question 3: What is the prevalence of heart disease risk factors in America? #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
A3: 90% of U.S. women aged 40-60 have 1 or more risk factor. Each one greatly increases your risk. https://t.co/CZrl8BiP9t #HeartChat
— The Heart Truth (@TheHeartTruth) February 5, 2016
A3: Top risk factors for women aged 40-60 are overweight/obesity (71%), high cholesterol (47%), and high blood pressure (37%). #HeartChat
— NIH NHLBI (@nih_nhlbi) February 5, 2016
A3: Among U.S. women ages 20-39, 75% have one or more risk factors. #HeartChat
— NIH NHLBI (@nih_nhlbi) February 5, 2016
Question 4: Now that we’ve discussed the risk factors for heart disease, how can you assess your personal risk?
A4: Talking w/your health care provider is key. They can help determine your risk through heart health tests. #HeartChat
— NIH NHLBI (@nih_nhlbi) February 5, 2016
Question 5: What is the #WellWomanVisit and how does it relate to heart disease?
Question 5: What is the #WellWomanVisit and how does it relate to heart disease? #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
A5: A #WellWomanVisit is a scheduled prevention check-up to review a woman’s overall health. #HeartChat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016
A5: At #WellWomanVisit, a Dr can measure blood pressure, cholesterol & look for signs of heart disease, stroke & other illnesses. #HeartChat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016
Question 6: “What are good questions to ask your doctor to better understand your heart health?
Question 6: What are good questions to ask your doctor to better understand your heart health? #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
A6: Knowing your numbers—blood pressure, blood cholesterol, & BMI—is key. #HeartChat
— The Heart Truth (@TheHeartTruth) February 5, 2016
A6: Collect your family health history and report back to your physician. #HeartChat
— GoRedForWomen (@GoRedForWomen) February 5, 2016
Question 7: What steps can you take in your day-to-day life to lower your heart disease risk?
Q7 What steps can you take in your day-to-day life to lower your heart disease risk? #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
A7: 1.Blood pressure 2.Cholesterol 3.Reduce blood sugar 4.Get active https://t.co/AyEYJqHG0n better 6.Lose weight 7.Stop smoking #HeartChat
— GoRedForWomen (@GoRedForWomen) February 5, 2016
A7: Start w/ small diet changes. Swap out refined carbs, like white bread, w/ whole grains & choose low-fat dairy products. #HeartChat
— The Heart Truth (@TheHeartTruth) February 5, 2016
Question 8: How do you stay motivated to live heart healthy?
Q8: How do you stay motivated to live heart healthy? Give a shout out to your support network – or share your fav. resources! #HeartChat
— Woman’s Day (@WomansDay) February 5, 2016
Live healthy for your family! Your kids, your spouse, the people who love you can be your biggest motivators! #Heartchat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016
A8: Women who are involved with the @GoRedForWomen movement live healthier lives. 6 out of 10 have changed their diets. #HeartChat
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 5, 2016