What every woman should know about
heart disease
February 3, 2005
By Jill Parker
“Heart disease” describes several health
problems that relate to the heart and blood vessels.
Heart attacks and strokes may come to your mind first.
However, high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), poor
circulation, and abnormal heartbeats are among the other
forms of heart disease, too.
Risk factors you can’t control:
Family history of early heart disease (father or brother
with heart
disease before age fifty-five; mother or sister, before
age sixty-five).
African Americans, who more likely have high blood pressure,
are at
higher risk. Soare Mexican Americans, Native Americans,
Native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans.
Getting older is also a contributing factor (men over
age forty-five; women over age fifty-five). Before menopause,
women usually have lower cholesterol than men their age;
after menopause, women’s LDL cholesterol rises.
Major risk factors:
Cigarette smoking, is a significant risk factor for heart
disease. Cigar and pipe smoking, as well as secondhand
smoke, are also risk factors. Another risk factor is high
blood pressure, it causes the heart to work harder and
causes it to weaken.
Lack of exercise. Overweight and obesity, especially with
excess abdominal fat is another risk factor. The excess
puts strain on the heart, raises blood pressure, and lowers
the HDL cholesterol level.
Diabetes, even if under control is considered a risk factor.
People
with diabetes have an especially high risk of dying from
a heart attack.
Other risk factors:
Too much alcohol intake, which can raise blood pressure,
can cause
heart failure, and lead to a stroke. And it can contribute
to high triglycerides and irregular heartbeat.
Taking birth control pills (if you smoke or have other
risk factors).
Stress, perhaps due to other factors, such as overeating
or smoking
more. Having a high risk doesn’t mean you’re
sure to have a heart attack or a stroke. That’s
good news! However, the more risks for heart disease you
have, the greater your statistical chances. Changes in
your food choices and lifestyle, and perhaps weight reduction
and medication, can lower your risk.
In observance of heart health, all women are asked to
wear red
on Friday, February 4, 2005. This is just one way we can
make all women
aware of Heart Disease.
Source:www.easttexasreview.com
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