7 Feb 2014

American Samoa to join heart disease campaign

2:57 pm on 7 February 2014

American Samoa residents are being asked to join the rest of the United States tomorrow in recognition of the National Wear Red Day focusing specifically on women and heart disease.

Speaking on state-run television, Dr Fred Uhrle with the Veteran Affairs Clinic in Pago Pago, says heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined.

He says it's important that the territory draw attention to the fact that this is a largely preventable disease and recommends that women with certain illnesses check with their doctor.

"And in particularly if they are diabetic, have hypertension, high cholesterol and a strong family history of heart disease. It's important that they discuss these risk factors with their physicians and make healthy lifestyle changes."

He says the Veterans Clinic encourages everyone to show their support by wearing red tomorrow, adding that the red dress and the color red symbolize support in the fight against heart disease.