Take Heart-Part 1
Heart Disease Kills 500,000 Women Every Year
Women and Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease claims the lives of 500,000 women a year. More women die from heart disease and stokes than the next seven causes of death combined. One in two women will die of heart disease, compared with one in 30 from breast cancer. Cancer deserves serious attention, but it is a distant second to heart disease. And if you think heart disease only affects older women in menopause, you are mistaken. It is the leading cause of death for women aged 35 and over. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, can be found in teenage girls. Heart disease can affect women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Women’s heart disease is different from men’s heart disease. Women often experience milder symptoms such as back pain, flu like symptoms, mild or no chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea or unexplained fatigue. It is important for women to educate themselves and others about the warning signs of a heart attack. The good news is that by following a healthy lifestyle you can reduce your risk for heart disease by 82 percent! And if you have already had a heart attack, positive life style changes can help you live a longer and healthier life.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
· Smoking
· Diabetes
· Overweight/ BMI of 25 or above
· Waist measurement more than 35 inches
· Diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol
· Family history (a parent, brother or sister who has had a heart attack)
· Your HDL or good cholesterol is under 45 and total cholesterol is over 240
· Lack of exercise and activity
· Mental and emotional stress
If you have a risk factor for heat disease it’s time for lifestyle changes!
Smoking is the #1 controllable risk factor of heart disease.
If you smoke, STOP.
The risk of heart disease in smokers is two to four times higher than non-smokers. Smoking is the #1 controllable risk factor for heart disease. Smoking is bad for your heart and cardiovascular system because it robs your heart of oxygen for hours after you smoke. Smoking lowers HDL (good) cholesterol levels while increasing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which lead to a buildup of plaque and lipids in already damaged arteries. Smoking can trigger an irregular heart rhythm or heart attack if the heart becomes completely starved of oxygen. If you smoke then quitting is the first step for your heart health. Quitting can be difficult but the benefits far outweigh the withdrawal systems. Set out a plan to deal with cravings and triggers. Your plan might include a support group, a visit to your doctor and learning new ways to relax. Once you have a plan, set a quit date. It is important to eat a diet high in antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Smoking depletes your body of vitamin C which is very important to your immune system
Sources: The American Heart Association, The Women’s Heart Foundation and Prevention’s Ultimate Guide to Women’s Health and Wellness Nutrition through the life cycle by Judith Brown. Photos: The California Department of Aging Stay Well Campaign 2000.
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