[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE

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                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2003

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, February is American Heart Month, which 
attempts to educate people on the dangers of heart disease and other 
heart related medical problems. It is in recognition of this important 
issue and the way in which it affects women that I come to the floor to 
speak today.
  One in two American women will eventually die of heart disease or 
stroke. One in Two! This is compared with one in twenty-seven who will 
die of breast cancer. This is a stark and alarming fact that most women 
have not heard. For my state, that means that every year around 11,500 
women in Tennessee die from causes brought on by Heart Disease.
  But there are things that women can do to decrease their risk. The 
first of these is to stop smoking, which is the single greatest risk 
factor for a heart attack in women. Check your cholesterol level and 
blood pressure, High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, 
causing it to enlarge and weaken over time. High blood pressure also 
increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and 
congestive heart failure.
  In addition, try to get out and exercise. Even modest levels of low-
intensity physical activity are beneficial if done regularly and long 
term. Making exercise a priority is hard for today's busy women, but 
the rewards are great.
  Obesity also puts women at risk for heart disease, even if other risk 
factors do not exist. This is because excess weight strains the heart 
and raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even losing ten or 
more pounds will help lower your risk for heart disease as well as many 
other health problems.
  I urge women to get regularly scheduled check ups and to recognize 
the signs of heart disease. Take advantage of American Heart Month and 
visit a health fair in your community. These fairs provide an 
opportunity to have your cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure 
checked. In addition, you can get information from specialists on 
various health related issues such as fitness, heart healthy diets and 
much more.
  Whatever you do, please take the time to visit a health care 
specialist and find out how you can keep yourself and your family 
healthy and safe from heart disease.

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