February 16, 2021
To raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women, the American Heart Association announced 22 heart disease and stroke survivors boldly sharing their stories as part of the Association’s Go Red for Women® movement.
Leah Riegert was selected from more than 100 applicants around the U.S. to join the 2021 class of “Real Women.” She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and
Behavioral Health Consultant at TriHealth Physician Partners, West Chester and Group Health Anderson.
Riegert will serve as a year-long national Go Red for Women volunteer for the Association, helping women understand that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat and empowering them to take action to lower their risk.
“I am honored to have been selected as a Go Red for Women Real Woman to raise awareness of maternal heart health and stroke,” said Riegert. “Heart problems and stroke can occur at any age.”
Riegert, who had no previous health issues prior to her pregnancy, was diagnosed with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy six days after giving birth to her daughter. One day following her discharge, her husband noticed the right side of her face was drooping. Riegert had a massive stroke. Today, thanks to excellent care and treatment from the TriHealth Heart Institute and her doctor, Stephen Lewis, MD, FACC, FSCAI, she is healthy and active once again. Leah is also eager to educate others about the risks new moms face.
“My hope is through advocacy and talking about it, others don’t have to go through what I went through,” she said.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s newly released 2021 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics, killing one in three women every year. Research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women and new data from a recent study published in Circulation suggests younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, along with Black and Hispanic women, are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat and do not know the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. The time to act is now because losing even one more woman to heart disease or stroke simply isn’t an option.
Leah! Congratulations on your Baby Girl! So glad your up and on the mend!!!!!You are one tough cookie!!!
Posted by: Sonya Saylor on February 21, 2021
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Leah thank you for your advocacy. Thankful for the Trihealth Heart Institute and physician.
Posted by: Mary Terrell on February 17, 2021
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We are so proud of Leah, she has been a role model for us all!
Sandi King
Posted by: Sandi King on February 17, 2021
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Very inspirational and educational article about the risk women face due to cardiovascular disease. Congrats Leah!!! Thank you
Posted by: Vera Derkson on February 17, 2021
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