Heart Disease Is Not a Problem That Only Men Face
Women often think of heart attacks as a man’s problem and, therefore, may disregard their own risk of heart disease. In fact, women should also pay attention to reducing their risk of heart disease and stroke.
Studies do show that men are at higher risk of suffering heart attacks than pre-menopausal women. But as women approach menopause, and the accompanying potential loss of the protective effects of estrogen, their risk of heart disease and stroke begins to increase with age.
Although cardiovascular disease strikes Americans in epidemic numbers, significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke. A greater focus on prevention is also helping.
The American Heart Assn. is devoting its efforts this month to making women aware that they can take control of their lives by adopting habits that promote cardiovascular health. Among them:
* Stop smoking. Smoking is the most preventable risk factor for heart attack and stroke. More than 49 million Americans smoke and, as a result, run more than twice the risk of having a heart attack as nonsmokers. Female smokers who use oral contraceptives may have an even higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Smokers who quit, no matter how long or how much they have smoked, sharply--and quickly--reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.
* Control your blood cholesterol level. A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. The higher your blood cholesterol level, the more likely that fats and cholesterol will build up on your coronary walls, constricting blood flow to the heart. In general, your total cholesterol should measure less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Your HDL (“good cholesterol”) should be 35 mg / dL or higher, and your LDL (“bad cholesterol”) should be below 130 mg / dL. Ask your doctor for a cholesterol screening to determine your levels.
* Monitor and control your triglycerides. Triglyceride is the chemical form in which most fats exist. Research suggests that higher triglyceride levels may increase women’s risk of heart disease more than men’s, although the reasons for this are still unclear. More research is being done. You can keep your triglyceride to levels less than 200 mg/dL by losing weight, exercising regularly, minimizing your alcohol intake and reducing cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet.
* Keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is defined as readings of 140 / 90 or greater that stay high over an extended time. High blood pressure is the major risk factor for stroke, and it increases the risk of heart and kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to treat it. Also limit your intake of sodium and alcohol, and control your weight.
* Exercise. Physical activity should be a daily part of your life. Many studies have shown that heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people as in those who are more active. The data linking stroke and physical inactivity are not as strong as the heart data, but many scientists think the same relationship exists. The best activities to strengthen your heart and lungs are aerobic ones, such as brisk walking, jogging and swimming. But even moderate activity will reduce your risk of heart disease.
* Eat a well-balanced diet that’s low in cholesterol and saturated fats and moderate in sodium. A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.
These tips are not new, but they are the key to maintaining a healthy heart and preventing stroke. Because about half of all deaths from heart disease are unexpected, there’s little opportunity for treatment. Prevention, for many, is the only hope.
Talk to your physician about how you can reduce your risk, or call the American Heart Assn. at (800) AHA-USA1, for free educational material. The AHA offers two new brochures for women, “Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Heart Disease” and “Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Stroke.”
* Dr. David Faxon is president of the American Heart Assn., Greater Los Angeles affiliate, and chief of cardiology, Division of Cardiology, USC School of Medicine.
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Getting to the Heart of the Matter
February is American Heart Month. For more information:
* American Heart Assn.: (800) AHA-USA1. Web site: https://www.americanheart.org. General information, free educational material.
* American Heart Assn.: (888) MY-HEART. Educational material specific to women’s heart disease and stroke issues.
