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One year ago, Hayden resident Julie Redmond opened the Steamboat Today and read about American Heart Month diagnostic screenings at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

She had just returned from a visit with her brother, who had suffered congestive heart failure. Their father had died of heart disease when he was in his 40s.

"I saw the ad, called the hospital and got right on it," Redmond said.

Today, Redmond is a new woman. She is exercising regularly and losing weight. She reduced her total cholesterol from 204 to 135. At age 54, she has decreased her risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

"There is a misconception that women don't get heart disease," Steamboat Springs cardiologist William Baker, M.D, said. "Even many physicians believe that men have a much higher prevalence than women.

"At younger ages, it is true that women are less prone to have heart disease. But women actually have a higher risk as they get older - especially women who have multiple risk factors - and they have a much higher mortality rate. Fifty percent of women will die of cardiovascular disease."

Redmond was fully aware of her grim family history. In addition to her father, both of her grandfathers died of heart disease.

"When my parents died, I was 17 years old and just felt invincible," Redmond said. "When my brother had open heart surgery and it became a reality in my generation, it was a major wake-up call."

Her love for her husband, Tim, and their 11-year-old son, Jack, motivates her. She also credits YVMC Wellness and Community Education Coordinator Lisa Bankard with helping her to create a new life.

"Lisa was absolutely wonderful," Redmond said. "She went through my coronary risk profile and spent a lot of time explaining things. Many things were out of the normal range or at moderate-to-high risk. She was supportive and kind, even when I got on the scale."

Redmond had not yet noticed any symptoms of heart disease. Even if she had, she might not have sought or received medical help for them.

"There is definitely a gender gap in diagnosis and treatment of heart disease," Baker said. "Women are much less likely than men to get treated within the recommended guidelines.

"There could be several reasons for this. One thought is that women are less likely to talk about or describe symptoms that may represent heart disease," he said. "Many physicians don't order diagnostic tests and invasive tests for women, as they would for men who have similar symptoms.

"Also, women may have atypical symptoms. Where men might complain of chest pain, the biggest complaints among women tend to be fainting and shortness of breath. Doctors don't always equate these with heart disease."

Baker urges women to understand and address their personal risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking.

"The take-home message for me is that women need to be strong self-advocates," Baker said. "They can be proactive in seeking help and making sure their doctors are taking them seriously, even if their symptoms may be more subtle.

"I like to emphasize prevention and early detection, before a heart attack occurs," he said. "Much of cardiovascular disease is preventable. It is crucial to get treatment that will improve health and lower the risks. Some treatments are unique to women."

Redmond has taken her health to heart. After getting diagnostic tests and counseling at YVMC, she went to Steamboat Springs internist Louise Thielen, M.D., who prescribed statins to lower Redmond's cholesterol.

"I joined Weight Watchers, lost more than 40 pounds and am well on my way to my goal weight of 145," Redmond said. "My body mass index has dropped by one grouping.

"I take Pilates classes three times a week, and I absolutely love it," she said. "My teacher, Eva Gibbons, is supportive and encouraging. My knee was so bad, I was planning total knee replacement. Now I'm walking easier and don't need the surgery."

Redmond has received love and support from her family. Her husband often cooks meals, limiting fats, using healthy ingredients and reducing portion size. Proud of her accomplishments, he gave her a shopping spree for her December birthday.

"My husband and son are my motivation to be healthy. I just love them so much, and I want to be there for Jack as he grows up."