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by Susanne
J. Phillips, MSN, NP
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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