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You may be like most people and think heart disease, vascular disease (hypertension) and stroke, collectively called cardiovascular disease (CVD), is a distant second to cancer as a cause of death among women. You're dangerously wrong.
Frequently, we also think CVD affects overweight, middle-aged men. Again, wrong. Over the past 25 years, while CVD death rates have fallen for men, they have increased for women.
All women are at risk for heart disease, Caucasian, Hispanic and African-American, but Hispanic and African-American women face the greatest risks.
African-American and Hispanic women have higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome than Caucasian women.
"Yet they are less likely than Caucasian women to know that being overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, high cholesterol and family history of heart disease increase their heart disease risk," said Dr. Lori Mosco, director of preventive cardiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.
In reality, heart, stroke and related cardiovascular diseases are responsible for almost twice as many deaths among women as all forms of cancer combined.
In a recent survey by the American Heart Association, only 13 percent of women in America believed that heart disease and stroke were the greatest health threats to women. This tells us there is a great lack of knowledge and understanding by the majority of women of this serious health risk.
Ladies, become aware of your risk. Know the risk factors high blood pressure including pre-hypertension, blood lipid numbers, inactivity, family history of CVD, smoking, and being overweight. Learn your numbers.
In addition, adopt a preventive lifestyle. Prevention measures for all women include eating five fruits and vegetables a day; incorporating whole grain breads, low-fat daily products and low-fat meats or meat substitutes into your diet; limiting sodium and trans fats; having 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day; and stopping smoking.
Know the signs of a heart attack for women:
n Shortness of breath, often without chest pain of any kind.
n Flu-like symptoms specifically nausea, clamminess or cold sweats.
n Pain in the chest, upper back, shoulders, neck or jaw.
n Feelings of anxiety, loss of appetite, discomfort.
If you suspect you might be experiencing a heart attack, the first things to do are:
n Stop what you are doing.
n Sit or lie down.
n Don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5 minutes) before calling for help.
n Dial 911.
n Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
n At the hospital, do not let anyone keep you waiting. Repeat that this is an emergency. Repeat that you may be having a heart attack.
If you are with someone who is having a heart attack:
n Don't let them convince you that they are not sick.
n Call 911.
n While waiting for help, make the person as comfortable as possible.
n If you know CPR, be ready to use it if necessary until help arrives.
In general, do not minimize your symptoms or try to ignore them. Don't be passive, don't doubt yourself and don't say, "I'll be OK in a minute." Don't waste time. Remember, a heart attack can be treated. Getting to the hospital quickly may save your, a friend's or family member's life.
If you have questions about your heart health, contact your healthcare provider.
Resources:
n St. John's Regional Medical Center, low-cost lipid screening panel study, CPR and first-aid classes, call 988-2865.
n American Heart Association, 445-7050, http://www.americanheart.org.
n American Diabetes Association, 1-888-342-2383, http://www.americandiabetes.com.
n American Red Cross for CPR training, 987-1514.
Send your questions to Health Watch, c/o Community Services, St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital, 2309 Antonio Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010. Answers to Health Watch questions may or may not be the appropriate remedy for your particular condition. If a medical problem persists, consult your physician.
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