Aledo, IL – February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the United States. To emphasize the importance of heart health, Annette Doonan and Melissa Hajostek from the Mercer County Health Department joined Terry James on Focus to discuss the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies every woman should know.
According to Hajostek, a nurse navigator at the Mercer County Health Department, heart disease can affect women at any age, making it a significant health concern.
“More than half of the women in America don’t realize the risks,” Hajostek said. “One in every five female deaths is attributed to heart disease.”
Understanding Risk Factors
Several lifestyle and medical factors contribute to heart disease, including:
✔ Smoking and alcohol consumption
✔ Inactivity and poor nutrition
✔ Obesity and high stress levels
✔ Hormonal changes and reproductive history
Hajostek also noted that pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and delivering a preterm or low-birth-weight infant can increase a woman’s risk of heart disease later in life.
Recognizing Symptoms of Heart Disease
Unlike the classic chest pain often associated with heart attacks in men, symptoms in women can be more subtle and often go unnoticed. Common signs include:
🔴 Dull or heavy chest pain
🔴 Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper back, or abdomen
🔴 Fatigue that doesn’t go away
🔴 Nausea and vomiting
“These symptoms can happen at rest or during activity,” Hajostek warned. “That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical care if something feels off.”
Taking Control of Your Heart Health
Doonan, director of the Women’s Wellness Program at the Mercer County Health Department, encouraged women to stay on top of preventive care, including regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
“A primary care provider can help monitor your health and guide you toward lifestyle changes that prevent heart disease,” she said.
For women who are uninsured or underinsured, the health department offers financial assistance for mammograms, Pap screenings, and other critical health services. They also provide smoking cessation resources, mental health referrals, and help finding a primary care provider.
Need Help? Contact the Women’s Wellness Program
For those in need of preventative healthcare services, the Mercer County Health Department’s Women’s Wellness Program is available to assist.
📞 Call: 309-582-3761
📍 Or visit the Mercer County Health Department for more information.
If you’ve already abandoned your New Year’s resolution, now is the perfect time to refocus on your heart health. Take charge today and make American Heart Month the moment you commit to a stronger, healthier future.