We asked Mark O’Shaughnessy, MD, Parkview Physicians Group – Cardiology, who has presented at the Love Your Heart Expo many times, to discuss the importance of women learning about cardiovascular health.
Why is it so important for women to educate themselves about cardiovascular risk?
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women and the vast majority of cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) are preventable. Prevention starts with awareness. The Love Your Heart and Her Heart events are intended to raise awareness of this incredibly important issue and begin the process of prevention.”
Biggest misconception
“The biggest misconception is that heart disease is mostly a male problem and only older women get heart disease as a natural process of aging. Heart disease is an equal opportunity disease effecting men and women equally at all ages. Many women believe that their No. 1 killer is breast cancer when, in reality, 1 in every 7 will die from breast cancer while 1 in every 2 will die from heart disease.
Most important piece of advice
“Know your numbers. One cannot be an active participant in the management of their health and prevention if they are unaware of their individual risk factors. These events will inform attendees of risk factors and ways to mitigate the risks.”
The ultimate goal
“To put myself out of a job! I cannot do this alone and it begins with the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The goal of Love Your Heart and Her Heart is to create awareness of the issue and develop strategies for prevention and to ultimately put me out of business. I will be a successful physician if I can say we made that happen.”
