Heart Disease: Facing Facts, Changing Risks

Did you know that heart disease kills more women every year than the top three cancers combined? The good news is that OSF Saint Francis Heart Hospital is helping women learn about their risk for heart disease with a program called FACE IT. CHANGE IT. The program evaluates your risk factors and helps you lessen the chance of developing heart disease through classes and counseling.

Risk assessment. A screening test looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, exercise, tobacco use, diet, current health, and family medical history. Based on these factors, you’ll receive a score that shows how likely you are to develop heart disease.

Doctor’s visit. Depending on your score, you may be referred to your primary care doctor if you have heart disease or are at risk for it. The program helps arrange appointments for women who don’t have a primary care doctor.

Education. To help lower your risk factors for heart disease, you may be encouraged to take classes on topics such as cholesterol, high blood pressure, nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.