With the slogan "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear-It's the #1 Killer of Women," Red Dress day is part of the "Heart Truth" initiative begun by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Women Heart to raise public consciousness and spur more females into taking steps to reduce their risks of developing coronary problems. The campaign first introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol in 2003.

The Red Dress Day comes during American Heart Month. One out of every three American women dies of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease claims more women's lives than the next six causes of death combined: about 500,000 women's lives a year, the American Heart Association says.

One in four women in the U.S. recognize the red dress as the national symbol for Women and Heart Disease Awareness, and nearly half say the symbol would prompt them to see their doctor to get physical exams. For more information, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

"I am pleased to see the powerful impact that the Red Dress is having on American women," said Nancy Loving, executive director of WomenHeart. "Heart disease is our number one killer, and it's gratifying to learn that women not only recognize this important symbol, but have taken steps toward lowering their risk because of it."

Women Can Exercise and Eat Healthfully to Reduce Risk Factors

Heart Truth is targeted to women 40 to 60, the ages when risks of heart disease begins to increase, although experts say women should start as teenagers trying to reduce their chances of cardiovascular problems. Although women's awareness that heart disease is their top killer has increased from 34 percent in 2000 to 57 percent in 2004, most fail to connect heart disease with high-blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Some risk factors are beyond women's control, such as a family history of heart disease and age. While having even one risk factor is dangerous, having multiple risk factors is especially serious, because risk factors tend to "gang up" and worsen each other's effects, cardiology experts said.

However, other risk factors that are under women's control. In fact, they can boost their chances for having and keeping healthy hearts by:Â

     <> Committing to exercising regularly. Heart Truth leaders recommend aiming at least for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.

    <> Choosing diets low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat.

    <> Avoiding or stopping smoking. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smoking women.

    <> Knowing their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels-and adopting the doctor's advice on lowering any high levels.

Launched in 2002, the Heart Truth joins together leaders in women's health and business to create a national movement aimed at delivering a wake-up call to women. Again this year, famous fashion houses will join the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to stage The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection under the tents at New York City's Bryant Park Feb 3. More than 20 female musicians and Broadway actresses are expected to waltz across the stage wearing red dresses created by the top designers.

 "The Heart Truth's education efforts, including the efforts of our many partners, are making a difference," said Elizabeth G. Nabel, the institute's director. "It is vitally important for women to talk to their doctors about personal risks for heart disease and to take the steps needed to lead a heart healthy life."Â

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Posted by: Steve Smith
Website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth

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