BANGOR – Heart disease in women is like Rodney Dangerfield – it don’t get no respect. But that’s beginning to change, as public health officials nationwide act to raise awareness about the No. 1 cause of death in American women.

In Bangor, heart disease is the focus of a daylong conference at the Spectacular Event Center this Saturday, Feb. 26. The event begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m.

A presentation of the American Heart Association, the second annual “Go Red for Women” conference is open to the general public as well as to health professionals, with a goal of educating Maine residents and reducing their risk of heart disease.

Although breast cancer is generally perceived as posing the greatest threat to women’s health, the risk of heart disease is much higher over the course of a woman’s lifetime, according to Dr. Dora Ann Mills, director of Maine’s Bureau of Health.

“People just don’t think of women as suffering from heart disease,” Mills said.

That’s in part because most medical researchers have studied the disease in men, and heart disease – also called cardiovascular disease because it can affect all areas of the circulatory system – develops very differently in women, she said.

Men and women also respond differently to the pharmaceuticals doctors often prescribe to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease result from the buildup of fatty deposits on the lining of the blood vessels. These deposits can slow or completely obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen to critical body organs. A lack of blood supply to the heart causes a heart attack, and a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain causes a stroke.

Men tend to have a sudden onset of symptoms, including crushing chest pain, paleness and sweating.

But Mills said women will notice less intense symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness and generally feeling “under the weather.” Women and their families often dismiss these symptoms and don’t seek treatment. If they do seek medical attention, too many physicians are slow to order the cardiovascular testing that may save women’s lives, Mills said.

The incidence of heart disease in Maine women is the third highest in New England, with greater concentrations in the state’s poorer and more rural counties, Mills said.

The good news is that Maine women have a higher than average rate of preventable risk factors, so there are clear steps women can take to reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Smoking, inactivity, poor nutrition, stress and obesity are controllable risk factors. Family history and genetic makeup are also important factors, Mills said.

Those who attend Saturday’s event in Bangor will learn about the cardiovascular disease, visit vendor displays and take advantage of free screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes and other risk factors.

There are afternoon breakout sessions focusing on obesity, nutrition and stress management. A healthy lunch is included in the $20 registration fee.

To learn about or register for Saturday’s conference, call the Maine chapter of the American Heart Association at (800) 937-0944.