Wear Red Day: Milwaukee Woman Shares Heart Disease Awareness Story

National Wear Red Day, observed annually on the first Friday of February, serves as a critical reminder of the disproportionate impact of cardiovascular disease on women. This year, as awareness efforts gain momentum, it’s vital to understand the unique challenges women face in recognizing and addressing heart health risks. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women, responsible for one in five deaths each year.

The importance of recognizing subtle symptoms and advocating for oneself is powerfully illustrated by the story of Bridgette Bendzka, a Milwaukee resident diagnosed with a rare genetic heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in 2019 at the age of 49. Bendzka’s experience highlights a common issue: women’s symptoms of heart disease are often different from those typically experienced by men, and can be easily dismissed or misattributed.

“I wore this so you can see that this is my souvenir from appropriate care,” Bendzka shared, referring to the scar from a related procedure. Her initial symptoms – hair loss, anxiety, and weight gain – were initially attributed to menopause and a lack of physical fitness. “So I was overtly dismissed right away,” she recounted. This dismissal is not uncommon, particularly for women of color, where systemic biases can contribute to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses.

Bendzka, an oncology nurse, possessed a clinical background that prompted her to question the initial explanations. “And as women, especially women of color, those symptoms could be telltale signs of heart disease. And if you don’t advocate for yourself, you could be easily dismissed,” she emphasized. This underscores the critical need for women to be proactive in their healthcare and to trust their instincts when something feels wrong.

Dr. Noah Holoshitz, Bendzka’s cardiologist, echoes this sentiment, noting that symptoms in women often present differently and can be more vague. “A lot of symptoms, like I said, especially in women, can be vague. So don’t. If you feel like something is wrong, don’t let somebody blow you off,” he advised. This vagueness can include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, jaw or back pain, and even arm pain – symptoms that may not immediately suggest a cardiac issue.

Beyond symptom recognition, understanding and managing risk factors is paramount. Dr. Holoshitz stresses the importance of regular medical check-ups and screenings. “Go to your doctor regularly. Get screened for those risk factors that we discussed. Make sure that those risk factors are as well-controlled as they can be. So if you’re a smoker, stop smoking. If you have diabetes, let’s get the diabetes under control.”

Bendzka’s journey exemplifies the power of lifestyle modifications in managing heart health, even in the presence of a genetic predisposition. “I have the genetic disorder, but I can control my diet, my exercise, weight loss. And I’m continued on that journey,” she stated. This highlights the agency individuals have in mitigating their risk, even when facing inherited vulnerabilities.

The message from National Wear Red Day extends beyond simply wearing the color red. It’s a call to action for women to prioritize their heart health, to be aware of the unique symptoms they may experience, and to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. It’s also a reminder that heart disease is not solely a “man’s disease,” but a significant threat to women’s lives, claiming more women’s lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.

it’s important to remember that medication, while helpful in managing conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol, is only one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle habits play a crucial role in long-term heart health. Small, consistent changes – incorporating regular exercise, adopting a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress – can have a profound impact.

As awareness grows and conversations surrounding women’s heart health become more open, it is hoped that more women will feel empowered to take control of their well-being and seek the care they deserve. Recognizing the subtle signs, advocating for oneself, and prioritizing preventative measures are all essential steps in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and ensuring a healthier future for women.