Libin Wears Red

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death in Canada, taking a life every 16 minutes. Yet women  are under-studied, underdiagnosed, under-treated and under-aware when it comes to their heart and vascular health.

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Wear Red Canada is celebrated annually on Feb. 13 to raise awareness and empower women to take charge of their cardiovascular health.   

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute urges you to wear red on Feb. 13 to further awareness and discussion about women's heart health. 

Half of women who experience heart attack have their symptoms go unrecognized. Heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases often go undetected in women because their symptoms can differ from men’s. 

The most commonly reported symptoms in women are:  

• Chest pain or discomfort (for example, pressure, tightness or burning)
• Pain in the jaw, neck, arm or back
• Abnormal excessive sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain or discomfort, or feelings of nausea or indigestion

Other accompanying or associated symptoms include: 

• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Back, shoulder or right arm pain
• Sleep disturbance
• Dizziness or lightheadness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

If you feel that something is not right, seek medical attention immediately. 

_{Lichtman JH, et al. Circulation. 2018;137:781-790}