Barbra Streisand Kicks Off Controversial ‘Ladykiller’ Campaign To Warn Women About Heart Disease [Video]

When it comes to making memories in the entertainment world, Barbra Streisand stands out for her award-winning performances on stage, screen, and song. Now the legendary superstar is using her powerful voice to seek change for the number one killer of women. And that’s heart disease, as revealed in her controversial new “Fight the Ladykiller” campaign, reported USA Today.

Although heart disease kills one woman every moment in the United States, the research and treatment are based on male patients, accuses Streisand. As a result, the campaign takes a two-pronged approach. It appeals to women to become proactive about testing and education to reduce their own risks. And it also seeks change in how research is conducted.

Streisand made it clear that she is angry about what she calls discrimination against women.

“I’m passionate about gender discrimination… When I found out research about women’s heart disease was being done on men — down to male mice in the laboratory — it seemed so unjust. More women than men have died of heart disease each year since 1984. …Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined.”

As part of her campaign, the Women’s Heart Alliance surveyed women between the ages of 25 and 60 to understand their heart disease perceptions. Streisand co-founded the organization, and the results showed the existing awareness.

According to the survey, almost half of women did not know that heart disease is the nation’s number one killer. One in four of the women felt that heart problems are humiliating because they imply a bad diet or lack of exercise. In addition, 75 percent of the women admitted they had at least one risk factor for heart disease, but only 16 percent were diagnosed or told about the risk by their physicians.

For Streisand, the battle is personal. Her uncle passed away at age 44 from a heart attack. Both her grandparents died from heart disease. And at 81, her own mother underwent bypass surgery.

Although Barbra Streisand usually avoids talk shows, she’s making an exception to publicize her campaign. Among her scheduled appearances is Meredith Vieira’s new talk show. In addition to heart disease awareness, Streisand talks about her career. Get a preview below.

When it comes to heart disease and controversy, however, one of the most hotly-contested areas is the best diet for reducing your risk. While some non-profit organizations advocate the traditional low-fat, high-carb diet, an increasing number of experts are pointing to research indicating that high-fat, low-carb diets are the healthiest approach, as the Inquisitr reported.

Among those specialists is Dr. David Perlmutter, ACN board-certified neurologist, author of Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar — Your Brain’s Silent Killers. Based on both case studies and research, Dr. Perlmutter argues that consuming carbohydrates actually increases the risk of conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and dementia.

In response to those who say that a high fat diet increases the risk of heart disease, Dr. Perlmutter cites a study of more than 350,000 people that discovered no link between cardiovascular risk and saturated fat consumption. He defends his views in the video below.

http://youtu.be/3L26rsi07Ew

[Image Via Meredithvieirashow.com]