Speaking from the heart Event targets No. 1 killer of women

The Times Herald-Record | Fina Bruce
Photo: “I can go hiking with my friends, I can climb waterfalls, I can be the person that I want to be,” says heart-transplant recipient Brianna Barker, 15, of Washingtonville. “My old heart was holding me back, and now I have nothing holding me back. I can do everything that I want to do.” Barker shared her story at the recent American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon in Central Valley.DAVID DOONAN/For the Times Herald-Record

It's not just a man's disease. It kills 421,000 women per year â€" almost one every minute â€" more than all cancers combined. And most women have no idea that it's their No. 1 killer.

It is heart disease, and according to cardiologist Dr. Bonnie V. Seecharran, cardiovascular disease is "eminently preventable" by lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise and not smoking.

Seecharran, director of the cardiac rehabilitation program at Orange Regional Medical Center, and who practices at Middletown Medical, presented information and took questions at the American Heart Association's Oct. 24 Go Red for Women Luncheon at Falkirk Estate and Country Club in Central Valley.

Women's symptoms differ

The session highlighted the differences between heart attacks in women and men, risk factors and prevention. Giving an overview of cholesterol â€" understanding what the numbers mean and the "good" and "bad" types â€" was Dr. Amala Chirumamilla of Metropolitan Cardiology Consultants, Bon Secours Medical Group.

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