Harper Angel 'sees red' over women's heart disease

February 4, 2005, FRANKFORT - The red head was seeing red on the floor of the Kentucky Senate today. Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Jefferson, wasn't angry. Today is "National Wear Red Day for Women," a day devoted to raising awareness about women's heart disease.

"Heart disease has become the number one killer of women in the United States," said Harper Angel, who wore a red sweater as she introduced a Senate resolution to commemorate the day. "Millions of women are wearing red today to call attention to the dangers of heart disease."

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.