DR. SHUBHADA JAGASIA President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital and Chair of the 2022-23 Middle Tennessee Go Red for Women campaign
QUESTION: Why is heart health an issue for women in Middle Tennessee?
ANSWER: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. but studies suggest that there is a lack of awareness about the prevalence of heart disease in women. This is especially concerning in Tennessee, where we are ranked by the CDC among the top states for rates of preventable heart disease and stroke. Across the country, more than 44 percent of women over the age of 20 have some form of cardiovascular disease. Because research on heart disease has historically focused on men, the American Heart Association (AHA) is supporting new, more inclusive research and is working hard to educate women about their heart health. Our nationally-recognized Ascension Saint Thomas Heart program is the largest cardiovascular network in the region. We consider it an absolute privilege to serve the women of Middle Tennessee, and we share AHA’s long-term commitment to f ighting heart disease in women.
Q: What can women in our community do to take action?
A: As the saying goes, it starts with you. So many women feel too busy to devote time to their heart health between the demands of work and home life. Women are often the drivers of healthcare for their families, paving the way for healthy dietary choices and setting an example regarding exercise and self-care. Taking a 20-minute walk around the block, stepping away from the computer during your lunch break to eat a heart-healthy meal, or going to the doctor’s appointment you’ve been postponing are all ways to make lifestyle choices that will influence and benefit all members of a family. Since stress reduction and quality sleep are important to heart health, it’s also helpful to establish sensible boundaries with work and social commitments so that you can get sufficient rest. Ask your loved ones to hold you accountable as you encourage the women in your life to join you in pursuit of more heart-healthy lifestyles. And, if you feel called to support the efforts of the American Heart Association to raise awareness, visit Heart.org/tennessee.
Q: Who is leading the call to engage women in the Go Red for Women movement in our community? heart health. Amanda has a family history of heart disease. This personal connection has motivated her to raise money for research and to help lead CPR classes and community education seminars that are normalizing conversations around cardiovascular health.
A: One shared priority of Ascension Saint Thomas Heart and the American Heart Association is ensuring that all women have affordable, convenient access to healthcare and the educational information needed to remain heart-healthy. Every year, AHA celebrates Middle Tennessee women who have dedicated themselves to this mission. I am excited to see Amanda Maples, MHA, BSN, RN, director of business development for Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, recognized as one of seven women committed to empowering women in our community to take charge of their heart health. Amanda has a family history of heart disease. This personal connection has motivated her to raise money for research and to help lead CPR classes and community education seminars that are normalizing conversations around cardiovascular health.
Q: Why are you the Go Red for Women Chair and why are you so passionate about this campaign?
A: I have a longtime connection to this mission, as my years of clinical practice were focused on the endocrine care of pregnant women. I cared for many moms-to-be with gestational diabetes, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in the future. However, these diagnoses also give patients an opportunity to learn about their risk factors and to get a valuable jumpstart on tackling these issues through lifestyle changes or with medication.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
1818 Patterson St., Nashville
615-340-4100