NBC29American Heart Month

American Heart Month

February is always filled with thoughts of love and valentines, but it’s also American heart month – a time to think about heart health.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills more than 450,000 women in America each year. Suzanne Fuhrmeister says she does not want to be one of them. The 54-year-old cardiology nurse says she knew something was wrong; she was tired all the time, short of breath, and just did not feel right.

“I had gotten to the point where I felt like I was 70-years-old. I mean, I felt like I could hardly get through the day much less any kind of exercise,” says Fuhrmeister.

Turning to the University of Virginia Club Red clinic, which focuses on heart health, Fuhrmeister started to turn things around. Cardiologist Angela Taylor says its right to ask for help.

“It’s really important for a woman to know what her risks are early and to control them very early on,” says Dr. Taylor.

Suzanne had classic risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and cholesterol, a family history, a little extra weight, and a lot of stress. Her fatigue and breathlessness were also classic signs of heart trouble - signs that Ann Hedelt, a nurse practioner at the clinic, says many women ignore until it is too late.

“They tend to put the needs of others ahead of their own – jobs, families, kids, schedules,” says Hedelt.

But Suzanne says her blood pressure and cholesterol are lower now, thanks in part to lifestyle changes like regular exercise and better nutrition.

Mary Lou Perry, the registered dietician who works with Fuhrmeister, says small things like adding more fruits and vegetables, reducing your salt intake, or cutting out fried foods can make a big difference, portion control is key. “It’s huge, and if you look at where portions have gone over the last 20 years, there’s been a real movement toward supersizing,” she stated.

Dr. Taylor says it is important for women to be proactive about their heart health, and while damage cannot be reversed, it can be stopped.

“You actually can take charge of your healthcare. You can know what your numbers are, you can change your lifestyle, you can change your diet, there are plenty of us out there that can help you do that,” says Dr. Taylor.

Suzanne says there is still progress to be made, but the healthier she feels, the healthier she wants to be, “As I feel good want to feel better.” 

Reported by Claire O'Brien
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