WACO, Texas — Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, marks Wear Red Day, kicking off Heart Health Month.
According to the American Heart Association, one out of three deaths of women is because of cardiovascular disease.
Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco hosted an event commemorating the day and the efforts that the American Heart Association are trying to lead. The event featured cholesterol tests, blood pressure tests and a variety of information in the form of pamphlets.
Tami Nutt, the 2024 Survivor Honoree for the Go Red for Women event in Waco, was present as well. After an emergency room visit in January 2023 led to her being diagnosed with Takotsubo Syndrome, a heart condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, Nutt has since recovered and is encouraging women to look after their heart health and health in general.
Nutt spoke to 6 News about why women should care.
"Because whatever we have to do, if we're not here to do it, it's not going to get done," said Nutt.
Nutt also spoke about advice she would give other women.
"Knowing when things are not right can absolutely save your life," said Nutt. "It's a life or death decision."
Also present at the event was Nutt's cardiologist, Dr. Buck Cross of Waco Cardiology Associates.
"Preventative-wise, we all need to know what our risk factors are for heart artery disease," stated Cross.
Cross also touched on the differences between men and women regarding heart health.
"We've discovered over the years that women can sometimes present differently than men," said Cross
Face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty are all symptoms of possible heart troubles. If you experience any of these, you should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.
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