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In Utah, five women die every day from heart disease. That's 1,500 women a year.
–Claire Larson
SALT LAKE CITY -- Heart disease kills more women over the age of 20 than all forms of cancer combined. The American Heart Association is trying to change that with an awareness campaign called Go Red for Women.
Spokeswoman Claire Larson said, "When you ask women what they believe the No. 1 killer of women is, they believe it's cancer."
She also said 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. Risk factors for the disease include:
- High blood pressure
- High 'bad' cholesterol
- Smoking
- Being overweight/obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Eating unhealthy
The American Heart Association says 90 percent of women have one or more of these risk factors. Larson said a lot of women tend to take care of everybody else but not themselves. Also, their symptoms are different than men's, so it's important for women to talk with their doctors about any symptoms.
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Macy's at Fashion Place Mall
Friday is National Wear Red Day. Utahns are encouraged to wear red to raise awareness. Friday morning at the state capitol, the American Heart Association will be educating legislators on issues related to heart disease.
Saturday, Macy's at Fashion Place Mall is participating in the Go Red movement with a "Go Red Connect Event." It includes free massages, makeovers, a fashion show, health screenings, and CPR demonstrations.
You can find out more about the Go Red for Women movement here.
