The fact is: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, yet it's 80% preventable. That's approximately one woman every minute! Wear Red Day is Friday, February 3.

Knowing your numbers is important! The American Heart Association recommends that you be aware of five key numbers:

• Total Cholesterol - ask your doctor for your preferred range
• HDL (good) Cholesterol - ask your doctor for your preferred range
• Blood Pressure - ideally less than 120/80mmHg
• Blood Sugar - ideally less than 100mg/dL fasting
• Body Mass Index (BMI) - ideally less than 25kg/m²

These numbers are important because they will allow you and your healthcare provider to determine your risk for developing Cardiovascular Disease by Atherosclerosis. This includes conditions such as Angina (chest pain), Heart Attack, Stroke (caused by Blood Clots) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Know your risk factors

Some of the other risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled by you: age, gender, heredity, race and previous stroke or heart attack. You CAN control the following risk factors for heart disease or stroke:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• Lack of regular activity
• Obesity or overweight
• Diabetes

What you can do now

• To improve overall cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). Download infographic!
• For people who would benefit from lowering their blood pressure of cholesterol, the American Heart Association recommends 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity three to four times a week to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Take Pinnacle's health risk assessment to know [some] of your numbers