1. Heart Disease Amongst Our Own
National Black Nurses Association, Inc. 38th Annual Institute and Conference
Heart Disease Amongst Our Own
Fran Roberts, RN, PhD
Chair, American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” Campaign for Greater Phoenix
August 6, 2010

2. In total, of the women who die each year, one in three die from cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Nearly half (49%) of all non-Hispanic African American women have some form of heart disease, stroke, or CVD.
Look at these beautiful, vibrant women. (point to women on the left side of the room).
Believe it or not, the (say the number) of women on this side (left side) represent the one of every three women who will die one day from cardiovascular disease.
Think of the loved ones you remembered earlier. The daughters, girlfriends, Moms, grandmothers, sisters and aunts. If we are women, we are at risk.

3. The Facts about Heart Disease and Women
Heart disease is NOT just a man’s disease
More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including cancer
Cardiovascular disease causes almost 460,000 female deaths a year – and approximately one death per minute
43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease
64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease
Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable
Women are reluctant to call 911!
Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. The most recent data from 2004 indicates CVD causes almost 460,000 female deaths per year in comparison to 410,000 male deaths.
43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.
64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease.
Even more important to understand is the fact that CVD is largely preventable! The goal of Go Red For Women is to arm you with the knowledge to assess your risk and take action to prevent it.

4. African Americans and CVD - Statistics
Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. The most recent data from 2004 indicates CVD causes almost 460,000 female deaths per year in comparison to 410,000 male deaths.
43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.
64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease.
Even more important to understand is the fact that CVD is largely preventable! The goal of Go Red For Women is to arm you with the knowledge to assess your risk and take action to prevent it.

5. African Americans and CVD - Statistics
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, the following have CVD:
44.6 percent of men
46.9 percent of women
In 2006, CVD caused the deaths of
47,956 black males
50,798 black females
The 2006 overall death rate from CVD was Death rates for blacks were
422.8 for males
298.2 for females
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
7.8 percent of men
8.8 percent of women
Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. The most recent data from 2004 indicates CVD causes almost 460,000 female deaths per year in comparison to 410,000 male deaths.
43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.
64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease.
Even more important to understand is the fact that CVD is largely preventable! The goal of Go Red For Women is to arm you with the knowledge to assess your risk and take action to prevent it.
(NHANES [ ], NCHS and NHLBI)

6. Not the same as the hallmark signs for men Chest discomfort
Signs of a Heart Attack
Not the same as the hallmark signs for men
Chest discomfort
Discomfort in upper body
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat
Nausea
Lightheadedness
“Flu-like” symptoms
Back or jaw pain
What exactly is a heart attack? A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense – but most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Here are some signs of a heart attack:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out into a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

7. Heart disease can strike women at any age.
What have we Learned?
Heart disease can strike women at any age.
Factors leading to heart disease originate in young women and develop over time.
Lifestyle changes can prevent or at least postpone heart disease.
Through research, studies and surveys we’ve learned a lot about heart disease in women.
Heart disease can strike women at any age.
Factors leading to heart disease originate in young women and develop over time.
Lifestyle changes can prevent or at least postpone heart disease.

8. Am I at Risk?
If you have any of these risk factors, you are at risk for heart disease
Controllable Risk Factors
High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Physical Inactivity
Obesity and Overweight
Type II Diabetes
Smoking
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
Increasing Age
Heredity (family history)
Race (members of some races, particularly African Americans, are at higher risks)
You cannot control some risk factors of heart disease such as Increasing Age, Heredity and Race.
But, some risk factors can be modified, treated and controlled.
Cholesterol. About 48.6% of women have a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and above, which is higher than the recommended level.
About 39 million women, age 20 and older, have high Blood Pressure.
Physical (In)activity is a serious risk. 38% of White females, 52% of Black females, 54% of Hispanic females and 41% Asian females are considered physically inactive.
About 69 million women are overweight and 36.7 million are obese.
7.5 million women 20+ have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 2.3 million go undiagnosed and 24.9 million are pre-diabetic.
20.7 million women, age 18 and older, smoke.

9. CVD in African American and Hispanic Women
Nearly half (49%) of all non-Hispanic African-American females have some form of heart disease, stroke or other cardio- vascular disease (CVD).
Nearly one-third (32.2%) of all deaths in Hispanic females are caused by diseases of the heart and stroke.
Heart disease does not discriminate by age or ethnicity.
On a chilly winter morning nine years ago, Patricia Henderson caught her breath. She thought she had inhaled too much cold air. Two days later, at the gym, she felt a nagging, burning sensation in her chest. “It just seemed like I couldn’t do anything.”
Patricia called her doctor, who suggested they meet in the ER. Tests revealed that her left coronary artery was 85 percent blocked. She had no family history of heart disease.
She had surgery a few days later. The next day, Patricia recalls, she felt fine but as she ate soup in her hospital bed, she became faint. The next thing she remembers is waking up two days later and finding out that she’d had a heart attack and then gone into cardiac arrest. “Medically, I was dead for one hour,” she said. “My doctor manually manipulated my heart to bring me back to life.”
Patricia is one of the 49 percent of African American women who have some form of heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular disease. Hispanic women are also at higher risk. Nearly one-third of all deaths among Hispanic women are caused by diseases of the heart.
Patricia learned about the community of Go Red For Women. Sharing her story has helped her recovery
“The movement shows women who have had a heart event that they are not alone – they have sisters and friends who want to be there for them. We’ve gone through it. We’re passionate about it,” she said.
Today, Patricia is one of the many women who have overcome the odds and is committed to educating minority women about heart disease and stroke. She’s using her voice to say that we have the power to take charge of our health.

10. Your Risk: High Blood Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol Level
Desirable =
Less than 200
Borderline high =
200 to 239
High =
240 and above
Taking action to live a heart-healthier lifestyle includes everything listed on this screen.
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, transfat, cholesterol and sodium
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week,
If you smoke, quit,
lose excess weight,
know your family history of heart disease,
take the Go Red Heart Checkup and
schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand your risk.
About 50% of women have a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and above, which puts them at risk for heart disease.

11. Your Risk: High Blood Pressure
Normal Blood Pressure
Below 120/80
Pre-Hypertension
/80-89
Hypertension
Above 140/90
Taking action to live a heart-healthier lifestyle includes everything listed on this screen.
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, transfat, cholesterol and sodium
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week,
If you smoke, quit,
lose excess weight,
know your family history of heart disease,
take the Go Red Heart Checkup and
schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand your risk.
About 39 million women age 20 and older have high blood pressure. 28% of people with high blood pressure don’t know they have it.

12. Your Risk: Physical Inactivity
Go Red Heart CheckUp
Inactive women:
Black females – 52%
Hispanic females – 54%
Asian females – 41%
White females – 38%
All healthy adults ages should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days a week.
I mentioned that you could take the Go Red Heart CheckUp at What is it?
The Go Red Heart CheckUp is a web-based health assessment tool.
You’ll be asked to type in your personal health information, including your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. The last three numbers come from a routine blood test usually done during your annual physical. If you don’t know these numbers, or can’t remember them, ask your doctor or other healthcare professional. There’s even a tool on that you can download and fax to your healthcare provider. Once you have your numbers handy, visit to take the Go Red Heart Checkup.
At the end of the CheckUp, you’ll receive your personal heart-health assessment. You’ll immediately know whether you are at low risk, medium risk or high risk. Take your results to your healthcare provider and work with Him or her to create a healthy lifestyle plan designed just for you.
Three simple steps put you on the path to a heart-healthier you.

13. Your Risk: Obesity & Overweight
Excess Weight:
Strains your heart
Raises blood pressure and cholesterol
Can lead to diabetes
Taking action to live a heart-healthier lifestyle includes everything listed on this screen.
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, transfat, cholesterol and sodium
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week,
If you smoke, quit,
lose excess weight,
know your family history of heart disease,
take the Go Red Heart Checkup and
schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand your risk.
About 69 million women are overweight and 36.7 million are obese, which greatly increases their risk for heart disease.

14. Complications of Diabetes
Your Risk: Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Complications of Diabetes
Stroke, TIA
Blindness
Heart attack, angina
Kidney disease
High blood pressure
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of legs or feet
Nerve disease
Taking action to live a heart-healthier lifestyle includes everything listed on this screen.
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, transfat, cholesterol and sodium
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week,
If you smoke, quit,
lose excess weight,
know your family history of heart disease,
take the Go Red Heart Checkup and
schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand your risk.
People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
7.5 million women 20+ have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 2.3 million go undiagnosed and 24.9 million are pre-diabetic.

15. Your Risk: Smoking
Benefits of Quitting
Within 1 to 2 years of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is substantially reduced.
Your sense of smell and taste come back.
A smoker’s cough will go away.
You breathe much easier.
It is easier to be physically active.
You are free of “needing” cigarettes.
Taking action to live a heart-healthier lifestyle includes everything listed on this screen.
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, transfat, cholesterol and sodium
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week,
If you smoke, quit,
lose excess weight,
know your family history of heart disease,
take the Go Red Heart Checkup and
schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand your risk.
20.7 million women age 18 and older smoke, increasing their risk for heart disease.

16. African Americans and Stroke - Statistics
Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. The most recent data from 2004 indicates CVD causes almost 460,000 female deaths per year in comparison to 410,000 male deaths.
43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.
64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease.
Even more important to understand is the fact that CVD is largely preventable! The goal of Go Red For Women is to arm you with the knowledge to assess your risk and take action to prevent it.

17. African Americans and Stroke - Statistics
Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, the following have had a stroke:
3.8 percent of men
4.3 percent of women
In 2006, stroke caused the deaths of
7,424 black males
9,621 black females
The 2006 overall death rate from stroke was Death rates for blacks were
67.1 for males
57.0 for females
Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. The most recent data from 2004 indicates CVD causes almost 460,000 female deaths per year in comparison to 410,000 male deaths.
43 million American women are living with cardiovascular disease.
64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease.
Even more important to understand is the fact that CVD is largely preventable! The goal of Go Red For Women is to arm you with the knowledge to assess your risk and take action to prevent it.
(NHANES [ ], NCHS and NHLBI)

18. Call 1-888-4-STROKE or visit powertoendstroke.org
For yourself…
For your loved ones…
Take the Pledge
Join the movement to prevent and overcome stroke.
Call STROKE or visit powertoendstroke.org

19. On Power Sunday
Learn about the increased risk for stroke and take steps to reduce it. Join your fellow church members…Power Sunday is

21. What Can I Do To Prevent Heart Disease?
Take ACTION to Lower Your Risk
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Keep your weight under control.
Be physically active at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Get regular medical check-ups.
Talk to your doctor about a prevention plan and medicines that may be right for you.
Don’t smoke, and avoid tobacco smoke.
I mentioned that you could take the Go Red Heart CheckUp at What is it?
The Go Red Heart CheckUp is a web-based health assessment tool.
You’ll be asked to type in your personal health information, including your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. The last three numbers come from a routine blood test usually done during your annual physical. If you don’t know these numbers, or can’t remember them, ask your doctor or other healthcare professional. There’s even a tool on that you can download and fax to your healthcare provider. Once you have your numbers handy, visit to take the Go Red Heart Checkup.
At the end of the CheckUp, you’ll receive your personal heart-health assessment. You’ll immediately know whether you are at low risk, medium risk or high risk. Take your results to your healthcare provider and work with Him or her to create a healthy lifestyle plan designed just for you.
Three simple steps put you on the path to a heart-healthier you.

22. Go Red Women Take Action!
A woman who Goes Red…
… takes action to reduce her risk of heart disease.
… exercises more frequently.
… has lost weight.
… has had her cholesterol checked.
… modifies her diet to include healthy food.
… encourages others to join Go Red For Women.
… has taken the Go Red Heart CheckUp.
Join Go Red For Women at and get your free red dress pin.
I mentioned that you could take the Go Red Heart CheckUp at What is it?
The Go Red Heart CheckUp is a web-based health assessment tool.
You’ll be asked to type in your personal health information, including your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. The last three numbers come from a routine blood test usually done during your annual physical. If you don’t know these numbers, or can’t remember them, ask your doctor or other healthcare professional. There’s even a tool on that you can download and fax to your healthcare provider. Once you have your numbers handy, visit to take the Go Red Heart Checkup.
At the end of the CheckUp, you’ll receive your personal heart-health assessment. You’ll immediately know whether you are at low risk, medium risk or high risk. Take your results to your healthcare provider and work with Him or her to create a healthy lifestyle plan designed just for you.
Three simple steps put you on the path to a heart-healthier you.

23. www.GoRedForWomen.org Go Red Heart CheckUp Online tool to educate
women about their heart
health and encourage
patient-physician dialogue
I mentioned that you could take the Go Red Heart CheckUp at What is it?
The Go Red Heart CheckUp is a web-based health assessment tool.
You’ll be asked to type in your personal health information, including your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. The last three numbers come from a routine blood test usually done during your annual physical. If you don’t know these numbers, or can’t remember them, ask your doctor or other healthcare professional. There’s even a tool on that you can download and fax to your healthcare provider. Once you have your numbers handy, visit to take the Go Red Heart Checkup.
At the end of the CheckUp, you’ll receive your personal heart-health assessment. You’ll immediately know whether you are at low risk, medium risk or high risk. Take your results to your healthcare provider and work with Him or her to create a healthy lifestyle plan designed just for you.
Three simple steps put you on the path to a heart-healthier you.

24. Sign up at GoRedForWomen.org Become a part of the Go Red Community
What else can I do?
Sign up at GoRedForWomen.org
Become a part of the Go Red Community
Unite with over 800,000 women
The First step – go to GoRedForWomen.org and sign up to receive up-to-date info on living a heart healthy lifestyle. You’ll receive monthly newsletters providing the latest heart-health news for women, along with opportunities to support the movement through legislation, participation in local events such as luncheons and National Wear Red Day, and much, much more!
Becoming a part of the Go Red For Women community has a powerful impact on women. A woman who Goes Red takes action to fight heart disease by:
Visiting her doctor for important health screenings
Influencing others by talking about heart health and Go Red
Following a healthy diet
Having an exercise routine
Complying with physician recommendations and prescriptions
As a Go Red woman you will unite with over 600,000 women who celebrate the lives of those who have triumphed over heart disease; and you will honor the millions of women who have suffered and died from cardiovascular disease. Our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts and girlfriends.

25. Locally sponsored by…

26. National Wear Red Day – Local Activation
Mrs. Massachusetts at Bruins Game
Trinity Medical Center
Grand Canyon University
Memorial Hermann Hospital Houston
13,542 companies participated nationally
Raising over $1 million!
Phoenix Suns
American Heart Association National Center
Arizona Department of Health
Hawk Electronics
University of Houston
United States Alliance
Deer Valley Unified School District

27. Why did GCU sponsor?
In line with its values-based approach and philosophy of service to the community, Grand Canyon University has agreed to a three-year sponsorship with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.
The power of GCU's reach through its campus students, faculty and staff, as well as its online student population, will take the outreach well beyond the Valley's borders.

28. What is GCU doing?
GCU students take the message to the streets: see the You Tube video!

29. GCU students take the message to the streets: see the You Tube video!
GCU Nursing Students provide health screenings at valley events
GCU campus goes Red
What is GCU doing?

30. GCU students take the message to the streets: see the You Tube video!
GCU Nursing Students provide health screenings at valley events
GCU campus goes Red
Hearts in the Arts competition – an art movement against heart disease
Visit facebook.com/grandcanyonu to learn more about GCU’s stand against heart disease
What is GCU doing?

31. GCU students take the message to the streets: see the You Tube video!
GCU Nursing Students provide health screenings at valley events
GCU campus goes Red
Hearts in the Arts competition – an art movement against heart disease
Visit facebook.com/grandcanyonu to learn more about GCU’s stand against heart disease
Speakers Bureau gives the community the latest information
What is GCU doing?

32. “The fight against heart disease is a perfect fit for Grand Canyon University’s vision to improve the health of our community through the efforts of our students and the Nursing and Health Sciences programs.”
Fran Roberts, RN, PhD, Vice President
Strategic Business Alliances
College of Nursing and Health Sciences