submitted by Carol Christian for American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” |
Six years ago the American Heart Association made a decision to create a specific focus on women’s cardiovascular health and the Go Red for Women movement was born. In the relatively short time since that decision, hundreds of thousands of women have joined the movement and have been made aware that the number one cause of death for women is heart disease and stroke. Thousands of medical providers are also more informed about the different symptoms and risk factors for women with heart disease.
Heart Disease Facts – America’s Heart Disease Burden
Heart disease is incorrectly assumed to be a male disease. True, it is a serious health issue for all Americans. In 2006, 631,636 people died of heart disease. Heart disease caused 26 percent of deaths – more than one in every four – in the United States. However, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2006 were women. Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. Every year about 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack. In 2009, heart disease will cost the United States $304.6 billion. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.
Early Action Is Key
In a 2005 survey, most respondents – 92 percent – recognized chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack. Only 27 percent were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a heart attack. About 47 percent of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital. This suggests that many people with heart disease do not act on early warning signs.
Prevention: What you can do
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Fresh fruits and vegetables, foods low in saturated fat and high in fiber are important. Limit sodium to lower your blood pressure.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases risk for heart disease. Determining a healthy weight range, use the body mass index (BMI). Doctors also use waist and hip measurements of a person. You can calculate your BMI at CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) Assessing Your Weight Web Site.
- Exercise Regularly: Maintains a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Don’t Smoke. Smoking increases risk for heart disease. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
- Limit Alcohol Use. Drinking too much alcohol causes high blood pressure. For more information visit CDC’s Alcohol and Public Health Web Site.
- Prevent or Treat Your Medical
Conditions
- Have your cholesterol checked.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Manage your diabetes.
- Talk with your health care provider
How Do I Know I’m Having A Heart Attack?
The pain of a heart attack can feel like bad heartburn. You may also be having a heart attack if you:
- Feel a pressure or crushing pain in your chest, sometimes with seating,
- dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
- Feel pain that extends from your chest into the jaw, left arm or left shoulder.
- Feel tightness in your chest.
- Have shortness of breath for more than a couple of seconds.
- Feel weak, lightheaded or faint.
- Have sudden overwhelming fatigue.
Do not ignore the pain or discomfort. If you think you are having heart problems or a heart attack, get help immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the greater the chances that the doctors can prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
Risk Factors For A Heart Attack
- Smoking 20.8 percent
- Diabetes 10.1 percent
- Age – Risk increases for men older than 45 years and for women older than 55 years (or after menopause). About 83 percent of people who die from heart disease are 65 years of age or older.
- High cholesterol level 15.6 percent
- High blood pressure 30.5 percent
- Family history of heart attack
- Race – African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians are at greater risk
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Lack of exercise 39.5 percent
- Stress
- Obesity 33.9 percent
- Sex (Gender) – More men have heart attacks, although heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women.
Have A Heart-to-Heart Talk With Yourself
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. but you can do much to help protect yourself from this deadly enemy. Be your own best friend. Take charge of your body and your life. Look into your heart. See what changes you can make now for a healthier future by including your health care provider in your heart healthy plans.
References:
- www.Healthcentralcom
- www.Infectionsdisease.com
- www.Goredforwomen.com
For more info, contact Carol Christian at the Reno Alternative Health Clinic (775) 827-6888.
