"Go Red for Women" heightens heart disease awareness

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more than 480,000 women each year. Community Medical Centers is helping to educate and inspire women throughout the Central Valley with its support of the national "Go Red for Women" campaign.

MedWatch host Cindy Suryan

Cindy Suryan, host of Community’s television show MedWatch, knows firsthand the statistics of heart disease. She had even cautioned MedWatch viewers while unknowingly experiencing symptoms of heart troubles.

Suryan experienced dizziness, lightheadedness, small chest pains and shortness of breath but dismissed the symptoms. She finally sought the help of a cardiologist in April 2004.

“It was about two years prior to my surgery that I first noticed symptoms,” Suryan said. “And my doctor’s persistence is what finally sent me to a cardiologist.”

Suryan attributed her symptoms to stress, poor diet and genetics and had almost waited too long before seeing a doctor.

“Women tend to care for others before themselves,” Suryan said. “But now I’m a big advocate. If you notice something, get it checked out. It may be nothing, but if there is something you can catch it early.”

Suryan recovered from open heart surgery in July 2004, and now stresses the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Walking each day should always be a part of a woman’s routine, she said.

“The surgery can truly help to break the bad cycle of habits you had before. I have to take Coumadin for the rest of my life and stick to a healthy diet, but I feel it’s a small price to pay for a second chance at life.”

Dr. John Ambrose will be the keynote speaker Feb. 28 at the Go Red for Women luncheon.

Three Community hospitals provide cardiac care: Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital and Clovis Community Medical Center. Performing more procedures than any other hospital between Stockton and Los Angeles, Community has been rated as one the best heart and surgery programs in California and as the best in the Fresno area for overall cardiac services.

The American Heart Association’s annual Go Red For Women luncheon is on Feb. 28 at the Clovis Veteran’s Memorial Building. The event will feature a health and beauty expo, heart healthy cooking demo, fashion show and keynote speaker Dr. John Ambrose, UCSF Fresno chief of cardiology. There will also be a panel of experts answering questions, including Dr. Richard Gregory (director of cardiothoracic surgery for Fresno Heart & Surgical and Community Regional), Bruce Eliason (director of cardiology at Community Regional) and Cynthia Cervantes (chief nursing officer at Fresno Heart & Surgical). Suryan will serve as panel moderator.

The event aims to educate and motivate women to band together and wipe out heart disease. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and early registration is encouraged. For more information about the Go Red For Women luncheon, contact Valerie Cain at (559) 389-9471.

This story was reported by Lyndsey Besser. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@communitymedical.org.

Friday, February 08, 2008