Council Member Rita Joseph shared her story of survival and encouraged other women to take their health seriously on Thursday, February 13 on the steps of City Hall as the City Council went red to celebrate American Heart Month and to bring awareness to women across the city that heart disease is their No. 1 health threat.
Council Member Joseph was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and in 2008 had open heart surgery. Aortic stenosis is one of the most common and serious valve disease problems. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening and can sometimes be referred to as a failing heart valve. Aortic stenosis restricts the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta may also affect the pressure in the left atrium.
Although some people have aortic stenosis because of a congenital heart defect called a bicuspid aortic valve, this condition more commonly develops during aging as calcium or scarring damages the valve and restricts the amount of blood flowing through.
“I was very lucky that my heart disease was found in time,” said Council Member Joseph. “Now I feel it’s my obligation to alert women to the dangers of cardiovascular disease, take your health seriously, get checked and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t stop until you find the answer.”
Since 2004, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease. The association is prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.
“With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in our communities, we must continue to raise awareness and promote heart health. Wear Red Day serves as a vital reminder that prevention, education, and improved access to healthcare are essential to saving lives. As a registered nurse and Council Member, I am so proud to stand with the American Heart Association and my colleagues to advocate for healthier lifestyles and better resources for all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse
“It’s important for us to continue to bring awareness to women and heart disease,” said Council Member Joseph, “nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and some don’t even know it.”