LEXINGTON — PHI Air Medical announced today a major community wide effort to educate the community and raise awareness for heart disease, especially as it relates to women’s heart issues. 

“As a company, we understand first hand the devastating impact heart disease has on the women and families of our community,” explained, Steve Johnson, Program Director.   “We are committed to doing everything we can to raise awareness on this important issue.  Our entire focus is to be proactive for the health of our community so that we don’t have to be called to transport another victim of heart disease.” 

PHI Air Medical’s air ambulance services fly tens of thousands of cardiac patients each year across the country. Equipped with the latest in Intra-aortic balloon pumps and various other advanced life-saving devices, PHI Air Medical is often the best and last chance for a person with heart issues, especially in rural areas.  

Long before PHI or others are called to transport heart patients, there are important signs to look for and lifestyle changes that can be made.  The facts regarding heart disease in women can be startling:

• 1 in 4 women die from heart disease

• Heart disease is the number one killer of women regardless of race or ethnicity

• Two-thirds of women who have heart attacks, never fully recover

• Women account for more than 60% of all cardiac deaths

Most people are unaware that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle can greatly aid in the chances for women to live longer, healthier and more productive lives.

“People ask why we are so passionate about this issue.  The answer is that these women represent our mothers, sisters, wives, as well as the thousands of women we work with in the community and throughout PHI,” continued Steve Johnson.  “We are committed to raising awareness for this important cause because we believe that knowledge is the best prevention when it comes to matters of the heart.”

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