Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. February is American Heart Month, and South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) is raising awareness of heart disease with educational screening events throughout the month.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the first American Heart Month, and ever since then, the month of February has been dedicated to cardiovascular health.

SGMC kicked off the month with a Wear Red for Women breakfast on Feb. 5, at the Valdosta Country Club, with more than 100 women in attendance, all wearing red to support awareness of heart disease in women. 

Sharon Dunlap, the mother of a heart transplant recipient, told the story of her daughter’s experiences with heart disease.  Dunlap thanked the American Heart Association for its work to make research and life-saving cardiac procedures possible.

SGMC CardioVascular Institute Nurse Practitioner Kelly Blackmon shared ways to prevent or lessen the chances of having heart disease.

It is described as a silent killer because busy women ignore the signs and symptoms, which are often more subtle than those symptoms experienced by men. Blackmon urged women to take care of themselves, know their risks and to get regular health checkups.

While some risks of heart disease like age and family history cannot change, Blackmon said that there are lifestyle changes that all women can make to improve their health and lower the risk of heart disease. Those changes include stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight, monitor blood pressure (checked by health care provider), and increase activity (at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week). Also, women need to be aware of the risks of diabetes and have their cholesterol levels checked regularly.

“People who consider themselves healthy often misdiagnose the symptoms of a heart attack because they don’t think it could happen to them,” said Courtney Orr, SGMC Community Health Promotions Coordinator. “That is why it’s crucial to learn about heart disease and stroke, know your numbers, live a heart-healthy lifestyle and be aware of risk factors.” 

SGMC recognizes the prevalence of heart disease in this region. Just last year, more than 2,000 cardiac procedures were performed at SGMC’s Dasher Memorial Heart Center. Additionally, SGMC CardioVascular Institute surgeons Drs. Randall Brown, Maurice Solis, and Joe Johnson performed 300 open heart surgeries. The SGMC CardioVascular Institute, which specializes in open heart surgeries, vascular surgeries, aneurysm repairs and peripheral vascular problems, has grown its practice by 40 percent since opening in July of 2014.

Women are invited to attend one of SGMC’s Wear Red events that feature a complimentary heart-healthy meal.  Wear Red events are scheduled for Feb. 12 at SGMC Lanier Campus (Lakeland) from noon-1pm, Feb. 19 at SGMC Berrien Campus (Nashville) from noon to 1 pm, and Feb. 26 at Raisin’ Cane from 8am-9am. Participation is free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 229-433-1074.

For both men and women, SGMC’s annual Heart Health Expo will be Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Valdosta State University Center located at 1205 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta. Sponsored by SGMC’s Dasher Memorial Heart Center and CardioVascular Institute, the South Health District, and 100 Black Men of Valdosta, Inc., this event offers free EKG’s, carotid ultrasound screening tests, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, and blood pressure checks. Appointments are required for portions of this event and can be made by calling 229-433-1074.  

For more information on other Heart Health Events visit sgmc.org/heartmonth.