NW Illinois News

In a Feb. 3 Facebook post, state Sen. Neil Anderson highlighted the American Heart Association's National Go Red for Women Day campaign.

"Today is #GoRedForWomenDay!" Anderson wrote. "Every 80 seconds a woman will die of heart disease or stroke. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of both. To learn more, go to www.goredforwomen.com"

Anderson is in support of the American Heart Association's national campaign. He has also served the 47th District since 2015. The district now includes portions and or all of Adams, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Menard, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazwell and Warren counties. When he's not serving the residents of the 47th District, Anderson is a firefighter and paramedic in Moline.

In light of raising awareness for heart conditions, there are signs and symptoms to look out for and ways to assist. 

Go Red For Women Month is an initiative of the American Heart Association. "Be The Beat" is this year's theme, as the AHA encourages individuals to learn how to correctly give CPR, in case it is needed in an emergency situation.

Signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

While cases of heart disease are prominent among women, there are men who suffer as well, and the symptoms may differ.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S. In 2020, it claimed the lives of 314,186 women, and it seems to be more prevalent in Black and white women.

Furthermore, women who have heart attacks may experience symptoms that are different from those that men feel. 

Some of the less common symptoms that women may feel include: shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Common signs of a heart attack include uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest; pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort; breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort.