In honor of heart health month, Loretto Hospital employees wore red on National Wear Red Day® to support the millions of women who suffer from heart disease. The American Heart Association reports that 1 in 3 women die each year of heart disease and stroke – that’s approximately one woman every 80 seconds. “Heart disease is not color blind,” said Dr. Aziz Ahmed, a Loretto Hospital Cardiologist, who also heads up its diagnostic cardiac catheterization services. “This is a disease that affects people of different ethnicities and gender.” Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, refers to various types of conditions that affects the heart’s ability to function normal. Both men and women of all ages and ethnicities can be affected. Recent statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control reveals that heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in most ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics and Whites. Overall, about 610,000 people die of heart disease each year.
Types of heart disease includes: Coronary artery (atheroschlerotic) heart disease which affects the arteries to the heart; Valvular heart disease, which affects how the valves function to regulate the blood flow both into and out of the heart; Cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects how the heart muscle squeezes; arrhythmias, also known as an abnormal heart beat; and, heart infections where the heart has structural damage that occurs at birth. Dr. Ahmed advises individuals should know their risks by various indicators for early intervention before symptoms arise. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. People with certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices are also considered higher risk for heart disease and stroke, including individuals: with diabetes, who are overweight or obese, with a poor diet, and excessive alcohol use; or who are physically inactive are all considered higher risk. Loretto Hospital’s cardiac care services include:

• Leg and heart angiogram
• Non-invasive testing and screening
• Emergency Cardiac Care
• Inpatient Care
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Exercise Tolerance Testing (Stress EKG)
• Echocardiography
• Clinical Dietitians

To learn more about heart disease or to make an appointment with one of our cardiologists call Loretto Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Clinic at 773-854-5475.