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According to the
American Heart Association and the
American College of Cardiology, coronary heart disease and stroke are
the leading causes of death among American women, despite research that proves
these diseases are largely preventable. Unfortunately, misperceptions still
exist that coronary heart disease is not a real problem for women.
According to the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), one in ten women 45 to 64 years of age has some form
of heart disease, and this increases to one in four women over 65. Current
statistics reveal differences between men and women in survival following a
heart attack as well, showing that 42% of women who have heart attacks die
within 1 year compared to 24% of men. Interestingly, it's estimated that one in
two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, compared to one in
twenty-five who will eventually die of breast cancer.
Research on women and heart disease is ongoing in many institutions, however,
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supports projects that
address women's access to quality healthcare services, accurate diagnoses,
appropriate referrals for procedures, and optimal use of proven therapies.
Current studies include differences between men and women in response to
procedures to diagnose and manage heart disease and reasons for differences
related to race and/or sex in the use of cardiac tests and procedures.
Research has shown that prevention is the best practical solution, however,
some women have more "risk factors" for cardiovascular diseases than
others. Risk factors are habits or traits that make a person more likely to
develop a disease. Some risk factors are genetic, but many can be changed. The
more risk factors you have, the greater the risk, so take control!
What Can You Do to Decrease
Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?
If you are a smoker, understand that smoking causes one and a
half times as many deaths from heart disease as from lung cancer and smoking
also boosts the risk of stroke. There is no safe way to smoke. Discuss a
smoking cessation program with your healthcare provider. Many health plans have
programs free of charge for members. Also discuss the possibility of using a
smoking cessation medication such as nicotine replacement or buproprion in
combination with behavior modification. Acupuncture has also proven to be
helpful in smoking cessation.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (or the "silent killer") is a major risk factor that you
may not know you have. Usually, high blood pressure does not cause symptoms,
allowing the disease to go "unnoticed" until the blood pressure is screened. If
your blood pressure is over 140/90 mm Hg, you should consult your healthcare
provider at once. High blood pressure may be controlled with lifestyle
modifications such as dietary changes and physical exercise, however some may
need to take medication to control the blood pressure. You will be less likely
to develop high blood pressure if you are physically active, maintain a healthy
weight, limit your alcohol intake and limit your salt and sodium intake.
High Blood Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is also an important risk factor that can be modified.
It is important to have a full lipid screening, not just "total cholesterol" at
least every 5 years, and more frequently if you have a family history of high
cholesterol. Your healthcare provider can discuss the various lipid levels and
assess your risk individually. Blood cholesterol levels rise sharply beginning
at age 40 and continue to rise until about age 60. The higher your blood
cholesterol, the higher your heart disease risk. Eating a low fat,
low-cholesterol diet and engaging in regular physical activity will not only
control your cholesterol, but will control your blood pressure and your weight
as well!
Excess Body Weight
Excess body weight in women is linked with coronary heart disease, stroke, and
diabetes. Obesity contributes to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. For
lasting weight loss, experts recommend regular, brisk physical activity
(minimum of 5 days per week) and eating foods that are low in calories and fat.
Weight loss in excess of ½ to 1 pound per week is not recommended primarily
because that weight tends to be fluid loss and is difficult to keep off.
Discuss a weight loss program with your healthcare provider. Many health plans
support these programs free of charge. Be certain to read the article
"The Truth About Weight Loss" by Frank Occhipinti.
Physical Inactivity
According to the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, 60%
of American women do not get the recommended amount of physical activity, while
more than 25% are completely inactive. Physical inactivity both
increases the risk of heart disease and contributes to the development of high
blood pressure and diabetes. The Surgeon General's report concluded that as
little as 30 minutes of moderate activity on most, and preferably all, days of
the week help protect heart health. Examples of moderate activity include brisk
walking, swimming, raking leaves, gardening, and bicycling.
Diabetes
Diabetes, or high blood sugar, is an illness that seriously increases the risk
of heart disease and the risk of death from heart disease is about three times
higher in women with diabetes. The best prevention of adult-onset diabetes is
weight loss and increasing physical activity.
Prevention—The Best Solution
Prevention is the best solution to reducing your risk of developing heart
disease. As you can see, exercise, healthy diet, and smoking cessation are your
best defense. Contact your healthcare provider for more information on managing
your risk factors. They are an invaluable resource and your partner in
maintaining good health.
For More Valuable Information, Visit the Following Web
Sites
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