The #1 Women's Health Care Issue:
Heart Disease
More than 489,000 American women lose their lives each year as a
result of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. In
fact, more women than men die from heart disease each year. Until
recently, little research focused on women and heart disease, but the
good news is that's no longer the case. From research into the effects
of hormone replacement therapy on heart health to studies of how
cholesterol-lowering medications work in women, there's an unprecedented
increase in the amount of information available to women working to
live with and ward off heart disease.Experts at the Mayo Clinic offer simple common sense advice to women (and men) in the fight against heart disease: don't smoke, eat a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a week, and maintain a healthy weight.
In addition, they encourage women to see their family doctor each year for a physical which includes blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Studies indicate that there is a 46% increase in stroke risk for women for each 7.5 mm HG increase in their diastolic blood pressure, so monitoring blood pressure and controlling hypertension are vital.
Women who suffer migraines, are pregnant, have atrial fibrillation and those with the auto-immune disease Lupus also appear to run a greater stroke risk. Diabetes is another women's health care issue with a direct impact on heart health. The American Heart Association notes women with diabetes have a two to six times greater risk of heart disease and heart attack and are at a significantly greater risk of suffering a stroke. All of these risk factors make an annual visit with your doctor one of the best ways women can manage and improve the health of their hearts.
