Sidney Regional Medical Center goes red for women's heart disease

The staff at Sidney Regional Medical Center dressed in red today to support a cause that is making a big impact on women - heart disease.

"Heart disease is the number one killer of women, more than all cancers combined," said Evie Ranselm-Parsons, SRMC director of public relations.

According to statistics from The Heart Foundation, while one in 31 American women die from breast cancer each year, one in three die of heart disease. Factors to take in to consideration when evaluating risk for heart disease are tobacco use, high blood pressure, diet, activity, obesity and diabetes.

However, heart disease does not just affect women for these reasons alone. Younger women, even teens, can be at risk for heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, Regan Judd of Louisville, Ky., was an active 19-year-old when she was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect that was causing a severe leaking heart valve and enlarged heart. Factors such as a heart murmur and family history added to her risk factor, but Judd's story is an example that any woman is at risk for heart disease related illness.

The key is knowing and understanding the risks and taking the measures to keep yourself heart healthy, according to the AHA.

"We wear red to support women's heart health and promote awareness for this cause," said Randi Norton, public relations and marketing at SRMC.

For more information on ways to be your own advocate in the battle against heart disease, go to the American Heart Association's 'Go Red For Women' website at .www.goredforwomen.org