Heart Health - UNCAS Health District

Take Action for Your Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But you can do a lot to protect your heart.

About 178,000 people in CT have coronary heart disease. this is the most common form of heart disease and can often be prevented.

Live A Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making healthy choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, including coronary heart disease, the most common type. By taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease that could lead to a heart attack and improve your overall health and well-being.

The Uncas Health District staff wore red, February 2, to show support for the Go Red for Women campaign. The Go Red for Women is a national movement to raise awareness and fund raise on heart disease and stroke in women. We encourage our communities to participate in CPR trainings - our Mobile Health Team does CPR trainings in our communities. GO RED!

The Uncas Health District staff participating in a Hands Only CPR course to show their support of Heart Health Month.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease:

High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Overweight or obesity
Prediabetes or diabetes
Smoking

Lack of regular physical activity
Family history of early heart disease
History of preeclampsia during pregnancy
Unhealthy eating habits
Age (55 or older for women, 45 or older for men)

Understanding Risk Factors

Each risk factor increases your chance of developing heart disease. The more risks you have, the higher your overall risk. While some factors like age, sex, and family history cannot be changed, many others can be modified. Being physically active and eating a healthy diet are important steps for heart health. Making these changes gradually, one at a time, is crucial.

Take Action for Your Heart: Get Started!

Download Fact Sheet

Resources

Consult with your healthcare provider to assess your heart health and discuss personalized strategies for prevention.
Explore community resources such as exercise classes, cooking workshops, and support groups for heart-healthy living.
Follow reputable organizations like the American Heart Association for more information and resources on heart health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. If you’re in your 40s, or 30s, or even your 20s, you can be at risk for heart disease. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and how to keep your heart healthy.

Women generally get heart disease about 10 years later than men do, but it’s still their leading cause of death.

It’s never too early to make your heart health a priority. Heart attacks, along with risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are becoming more common in younger women. Learn how to reduce your risks for heart disease.

African American Women and Heart Disease Yes, YOU can learn how to prevent heart disease. African American women ages 20 and older experience heart disease and are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure, at younger ages compared to white women.

Hispanic/Latina Women and Heart Disease Yes, YOU can learn how to prevent heart disease. Hispanic/Latina women are more likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanics and have significant risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure.

African American Women and Heart Disease African American women have higher rates of risk factors for heart disease than white women. Obesity Hypertension Diabetes

Hispanic/Latina Women and Heart Disease Hispanic/Latina women have higher rates of risk factors for heart disease than white women. Obesity Hypertension Diabetes

5 heart attack symptoms more commonly experienced by women: Dizziness Fatigue Nausea Pressure or tightness in the chest Stomach pain

Have a Heart-Healthy Pregnancy If you're pregnant or planning to be, take these steps to protect your heart health: Understand your risk for preeclampsia or other heart-related conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk. Live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Watch for warning signs of a problem during and after pregnancy, like dizziness or trouble breathing.

Contact Information

For further inquiries about the Uncas Health District, interested parties can contact the Director of Health at (860) 823-1189.

Contact the Uncas Health District