WINTERSVILLE — Laurie Labishak, marketing director for Trinity Health System, told the many attending the medical system’s first Crimson Connections for Your Heart Event that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.

“One in three women. It’s a startling statistic,” she said, while advising all women to “Know your risks and work with your doctor to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.”

Held Friday at St. Florian Event Center, the event included the presentation of Trinity’s first Crimson Connection Champion, an honor bestowed upon a woman who has encouraged and challenged other women to live their best lives.

The recipient was Megan Pressley, audiologist and owner of the Pressley Hearing Center, who said because her mother has dealt with heart disease, she must be watchful for its signs in her own life.

Pressley said women very often downplay pain and other ailments, making it easy for them to ignore symptoms of heart disease until it’s too late.

“As women, we take on a lot. But we have to make sure our heart is at the top of our priorities,” she said.

Pressly recommends those with a history of heart problems in their family talk to their doctor about it and schedule regular checkups.

Staff with Trinity’s cardiology department have noted there are risk factors for heart disease that can be managed and some that cannot.

In addition to having a family history of heart disease, a woman may be more prone to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems because of their age and race, with a larger number of Black Americans affected.

Trinity doctors note high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking and lack of regular activity also are risk factors that can be controlled or addressed through changes in lifestyle.

Lisa Kush — a clinical and interventional cardiology specialist with Trinity who has spoken to many groups — has noted women are more likely than men to have more subtle symptoms, such as pain or pressure in the neck or jaw.

Kush said muscular pain or tightness, especially after exerting one’s self, shortness of breath and nausea all can indicate heart problems but the first symptom for many women is fatigue.

She has noted women who find themselves more tired often attribute it to getting older and wait to seek medical care until it’s too late.

Pressley was one of six area women nominated for the Crimson Connection Champion award for the active role they play in the community.

The others were Angela Lombardo, Rebekah Cohen Morris, Ashley Hoobler, Kelli Sarlo and Dorothy “Dottie” O’Neil.

Labishak said the public was invited through social media to vote for one of the six and the response was tremendous, with about 10,000 votes cast in a matter of days.

“The votes were very close. They all are very deserving of this award,” she said.

Friday’s event was attended by many women and some men, who partook of a variety of food and were invited to have their blood pressure measured or learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation from representatives of Trinity’s School of Nursing, relax in a pair of electric massage chairs, have their nails done by students in the cosmetology program at Jefferson County Vocational School, have a cartoon portrait done by a caricature artist or participate in an auction or 50-50 drawing.

Labishak said proceeds from the event will go to Trinity’s cardiology fund, which helps the hospital to acquire state of the art equipment used in diagnosing and treating heart disease.