Heart disease is often thought to be more of a problem for men. However, it is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the United States.
Are you at risk for heart disease?
Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. Focus on lowering your risk by changing what you can control.
Several traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease — such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity — affect both women and men. But other factors can play a bigger role in the development of heart disease in women.
Risk Factors you CANNOT control
FAMILY HISTORY – Your father or brother under age 55 or your mother or sister under age 65 has had a heart attack, stroke, angioplasty, or bypass surgery. There appears to be a greater risk factor in women than in men.
OLDER AGE – You are over 55 years old; death rate increases after age 65.
HORMONES & MENOPAUSE – You have had a hysterectomy and have had your ovaries removed or you have completed menopause. Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk of developing disease in smaller blood vessels
Risk Factors you CAN control
Risk Factors you CAN controlSMOKING – If you smoke, quit. If you do not smoke, do not start, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – Your blood pressure is over 135/85 or you have been told that you have high blood pressure. (After age 45, 60% of Caucasian women and 79% of African American women have high blood pressure.)
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY – You do not exercise for 20-30 minutes at least 3 days every week. (70% of American women do not exercise regularly.) You should try to do moderate exercise, such as walking at a brisk pace, on most days of the week.
DIABETES – After age 45, diabetes affects more women than men. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than are men with diabetes. Diabetes can affect how you feel pain, this puts you at risk of having a silent heart attack, one without symptoms.
INFLAMMATORY DISEASES – Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others can increase the risk of heart disease in both men and women.
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS – (LIPIDS) Your HDL (High Density Lipo-protein or “good” cholesterol) is less than 50 mg/dL, or your LDL (Low Density Lipo-protein or “bad” cholesterol) is greater than 130 and you have been identified with having risk factors for heart disease. (An HDL of 60 is considered protective).
METABOLIC SYNDROME – Having at least three of these places you at risk.
Women > 35” waist
High blood sugar > 110 mg/dL after fasting
High triglycerides — at least 150 mg/dL
Low HDL (less than 50 mg/dL in women).
Blood pressure of 130/85 or higher.
OBESITY – Check your Body Mass Index (BMI). A score of 25-29.9 indicates you are overweight; 30 or greater, obese. Talk to your health care provider about your weight and what is best for you. If you are overweight, losing even a few pounds will help.
UNHEALTHY DIET – Choose whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Use low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and lean meats. Avoid saturated or trans fats, added sugars, and high amounts of salt. Refer to our tips for a heart healthy Thanksgiving for substation ideas.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS – When combined with regular exposure to cigarette smoke, taking birth control pills increases risk of heart attack and stroke, especially after age 35.
STRESS – Manage your stress. Stress can cause your arteries to tighten, which can increase your risk of heart disease, particularly coronary microvascular disease. Depression makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow recommended treatment. Stress and depression affect women’s hearts more than men.
EXCESS ALCOHOL INTAKE – Limit your alcohol. Try to drink no more than 2 oz. of alcohol per day (2 oz. is equal to one glass of wine, one beer or one cocktail). Alcohol also tends to be high in calories and may stop your body from burning fat. It may make you feel hungry leading to poor food choices.
IGNORING YOUR DOCTOR – Follow your treatment plan. Listen to your health care team and take all medications as prescribed. Do not stop a medication or add supplements without first discussing with your doctor.
The way you live each day affects your heart.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Heart attacks often strike without warning. Making lifestyle changes now could save your life.
Talk to your health care team about your risk factors and changes you can make to reduce your risk. Dr. Bobish and her team focus on preventative care. Their goal is to provide compassionate care and treatment along with guidance for leading a healthier lifestyle.