Women and Heart Disease
Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center
7 risk factors and what can be done to reduce them
Heart disease is largely preventable. It is important for women to
know the risk factors and what can be done to reduce the chances of a
heart attack. In addition to watching your figure, the other "figures"
you should pay close attention to are as follows:
Number of cigarettes smoked daily
Women who smoke have a higher risk of death from heart disease. When you
stop smoking your risk rapidly drops and over time it will decline to
the level of a non-smoker.
Cholesterol Level -- HDL and LDL
Cholesterol is one type of fat found in the body and circulating in the
blood. It can build up in the arteries and cause narrowing to occur. Research
has shown that having low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) puts you at
higher risk for heart disease.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than normal, causing damage
to the smooth inner lining of the blood vessels. As a woman, you are more
prone to high blood pressure if you are 20 pounds over your healthy weight,
have a family history of high blood pressure, take certain types of oral
contraceptive or have reached menopause.
Number of minutes of daily exercise
If you are physically inactive you are twice as likely to develop heart
disease. You don't have to be an athlete, but 30-60 minutes of walking
daily can make a difference.
Height, weight and waist circumference
If you have too much fat, especially if a lot of fat is located in your
waist area, you are at higher risk for heart disease. A high-risk waist
circumference is defined as 35 inches or more for women. Long-term weight
loss is achieved with diet and exercise.
Blood sugar
Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to produce or respond
properly to insulin. Your body needs insulin to utilize the sugar in your
diet. Women with diabetes have a three to seven times higher risk of heart
disease.
Take responsibility for your health care. Be empowered! Talk to your
health care provider, ask questions and get answers. Know your figures
... change the statistic!
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