St. Mary's Go Red for Women Day Sensitizes to Cardiovascular Disease

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – The annual "Go Red for Women" celebration was held Friday at the St. Mary's Regional Heart Institute.

This was the opportunity to raise awareness about the fight against heart disease in women.

This can happen at any time to anyone. Angel Schneider knows it too well.

"On September 11, 2018, I had a heart attack by helping my little girl do her homework," Schneider said.

Stories like his are the reason why people gathered at St. Mary's on Friday … while wearing red.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women nationwide and in Mountain State.

"It's more prevalent than all cancers and all respiratory diseases combined," said Dr. Mark Studey, a cardiologist at St. Mary's.

Schneider's experience with cardiovascular disease was, to say the least, unexpected.

"I work constantly, so it was a shock," Schneider said. "So, I was not thinking about a heart attack when it happened." Why would I think that, you know?

Dr. Studeny says that regular checks are essential and that during Friday's event, women were able to get free tests for health tests thanks to St. Mary's.

"It's just important that people get tested, especially if you have a positive family history. you have diabetes, hypertension, "Studeny said. People must try to live as healthy as possible. "

Health checks, but also the awareness of what your body asks you.

As a mother, Schneider knows how difficult it can be to put herself first and she has a message to all mothers.

"We often put things off. When we have kids running, we have jobs, and things like that, we just go to sleep, "she said emphatically. So, I would say as a woman, listen to your body, put yourself first. It's good to put yourself in the lead from time to time. "

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease causes 3,000 casualties each year in the state of Mountain.