SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Every year, 30 percent of deaths among women in the U.S. are caused by heart attacks and strokes. What’s more, 64 percent of women who die suddenly from heart disease will have no prior symptoms.

To raise awareness about heart disease, especially among women, and how to prevent it, Regional West’s Heart and Lung Center encourages everyone to celebrate National Wear Red Day® on Friday, February 1.

“National Wear Red Day is a great way to raise awareness about the growing epidemic of heart disease in women,” said Regional cardiologist Christopher Lambert, MD. “It’s important for women, and men, to have regular health check-ups to find out if they’re at risk for developing heart disease and to make the necessary lifestyle changes to avoid it.”

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking all contribute to heart disease.

The good news is heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Start with an annual physical, stay physically active, eat a healthier diet, stay well hydrated, and get plenty of sleep.

For more ideas about simple steps to take every day for better heart health, visit www.heart.org. Join the American Heart Association’s national movement in support of healthier communities and healthier lives.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.