Dr. Riti Patel, a Cardiologist at Lankenau Heart Institute at Mainline Health, and 2019 ‘Go Red for Women Champion’ discussed the work of the American Heart Association. 

She began with information about cardiovascular disease which leads to heart attack, cardiac arrest and stroke, that it’s the number one killer of all Americans.   We discussed possible contributors to disease, including diet, smoking, lack of exercise and sleep deprivation, Dr. Patel believes that sleep hygiene is too often overlooked for good overall health.  She spoke about the higher incidence of disease among certain groups, including South Asians who practice a vegetable based diet, and African Americans and Hispanics, where over one-third of women over 20 have cardiovascular disease.  She told us that family history is also an important indicator, especially the age when disease begins.  She stressed ‘knowing your numbers’ – your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.    We discussed women and heart disease, their higher incidence of disease and stroke and their outcomes versus men, is it a gender, treatment or diagnosis issue?  We covered the differences in symptoms between men and women and the advice that women should seek treatment when they are experiencing light-headedness, shortness of breath, swelling or changes to their normal functioning level.  We spoke about the AHA initiatives for women, including the Go Red for Women Luncheon May 10th, with speakers and awareness information.  She encouraged us to go to their website for tips on women’s health and the Facebook Go Red Get Fit group. 

She also mentioned the upcoming annual Homeruns for Heart at Citizens Bank Park May 6th and 7th.

For more information, or to volunteer or donate visit AHAPhilly.org and for the Go Red For Women Luncheon details go to AHAPhilly.org/GRFW2019