LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In Kentucky, one in five women die every day from heart disease.

Feb. 2 is National Wear Red Day and the kick-off to American Heart Month. Dr. Lauren Albers joined WDRB Mornings on Friday to talk about cardiovascular disease in women.

National Wear Red Day was established by the American Heart Association to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease, especially in women.

Women go through many things that men do not, like pregnancy and menopause. And they're more at risk for heart disease after they go through menopause.

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease, especially in women, include pressure in your chest, pain in arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, breaking out in cold sweats, nausea and lightheadedness.

There are several ways you can prevent heart disease. Starting off, it is important to maintain a healthy diet as well as include 150 minutes of exercise to your daily routine every day. Another tip is keeping track of your numbers, like BMI and sugar levels.

It can be discouraging to hear that you have to start maintaining a strict diet, but as long as you get up and get your body moving everyday, it will help prevent the disease.

"Diets are hard, and the more you hear that you have to diet, the harder it is," Albers said Friday. "Getting in the appropriate amount of exercise and just something as simple as walking can help prevent heart disease."

Doctors also suggest having a primary care provider, especially as you age, and to quit smoking if that is a habit you have.

More WDRB Morning Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.