February 3, 2006 CONTACT: Susan Straub
Red head wears red to raise awareness
about women's heart disease
FRANKFORT - Saying she has to wear red every day, red-headed Senator Denise Harper Angel today encouraged women all over the state and the nation to join her in sporting the color today in recognition of "National Wear Red Day for Women," a day devoted to raising awareness about women's heart disease.
"I have no choice about wearing red every day, but today I've added a red sweater to bring attention to the dangers heart disease poses for women," said Harper Angel, who introduced a Senate resolution to commemorate the day. "Millions of women are wearing red today to call attention to the dangers of heart disease."
The Kentucky floral clock, a state landmark located just behind the Capitol, was wearing red today, too. The clockÕs design includes a red dress, the American Heart AssociationÕs symbol for womenÕs heart health, along with a scatter of hearts.
Harper Angel said the warning signs for heart disease can be different in women, causing them to delay seeking medical care. In addition, women tend to have heart attacks later in life than men do, and they often have other diseases that can mask heart attack symptoms.
"Increased age and the more advanced stage of coronary heart disease in women can affect treatment options available to physicians," Harper Angel said. "Furthermore,
some diagnostic tests and procedures may not be as accurate in women, so physicians may avoid using them."
Harper Angel, whose Senate resolution passed unanimously, encouraged all women to become more aware of the signs of heart disease and to protect themselves by working toward a healthier lifestyle.
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Note: For a high-res. JPEG photo file of Senator Harper Angel, please log on to www.lrc.state.ky.us/pubinfo/ephoto.htm.