
Women at High Risk for Heart Disease
Heart Disease isn’t just a men’s disease, according to statistics from the American Heart Association Women are at High Risk for Heart Disease:
*Women of all ages are experiencing more heart disease.
*1 out of 2 women over the age of 45 will die from a first heart attack.
*Women are twice as likely as men to die from a first heart heart attack.
*47 percent of women between 45 and 64 have some form of cardiovascular disease.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease outlined by the American Heart Association are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), alcohol and drug abuse.
Every woman over the age of 20 should begin taking care of heart health NOW, according to the American Heart Association. That is because the process that underlies heart disease and stroke begins in women as young as 20. Once damage is done to arteries, it can be treated but not cured. Cardiovascular diseases include angina, arrhythmia, artery disease, high cholesteral, congestive heart failure and stroke.
Life-long prevention is very important, says Dr. John Windsor, a Cardiologist with the Heart & Lung Clinic in Bismarck. To prevent heart disease take these steps:
*Keep your weight down
*Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains
*Limit meat to three ounces a day
*Quit smoking
*Do aerobic exercise
*Have regular checkups.
Women’s Symptoms May be Subtle
Symptoms of heart disease in women tend to be more subtle than those experienced by men, and therefore, may be ignored. What should you look for?
*Fatigue
*Flu symptoms
*Shortness of breath
*Heartburn
*Heart pain
*Swelling ankles
These symptoms may linger or grow worse over time. If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, see your doctor. Some tests your doctor may order are an electro cardiogram (EKG), blood enzyme tests and a cardiac stress test.
Women also experience different heart attack symptoms than men. The onset of a man’s heart attack is typically crushing chest pain. Women’s heart attack symptoms are more likely to be:
*Shortness of breath
*Light pain
*Chest tightness
*Dizziness
*Anxiety
Women may also experience the classic symptom of nausea, sweating and crushing chest pain. Typically a heart attack starts early in the morning with flu-like symptoms and builds during the day. If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Windsor recommends taking an aspirin to reduce the risk of clotting, then call 911.
Recently the National Institute of Health reversed its stand on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Rather than protect women’s hearts, it is now believed that HRT may increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. Windsor believes more research is needed to find conclusive evidence. Meanwhile, women who are taking HRT can continue, but doctors are generally not starting new patients on the therapy. It’s best to discuss the options with your doctor.
In addition, certain foods are identified with lower cholesterol and healthy arteries. Along with eating a low-fat diet, try black tea, purple grape juice, onions, red wine, soy products, canola oil and olive oil. Foods with trans fats can clog arteries and raise cholesterol. Foods with trans fat include margarine, donuts, cookies, crackers and French fries.
