Unique Original Articles » Heart Health For Women

Most people believe that cancer poses a greater health threat for women over heart disease, but this is incorrect. Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is the major cause of death and disability in women living in North America, accounting for forty per cent. Eight times as many women die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer.

It has been a popular conviction in the past that heart disease affects mostly men and that full-blown heart attacks are not common in women. There has been a lack of public education about the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women.

Good news is that there is much that can be done to prevent heart disease. Risk factors such as age, ethnicity, and family history, of course cannot be denied. Heart disease and stroke is more frequent after menopause or age fifty. People of South Asian, First Nations, Inuit, or Black descent are at increased risk of some types of heart diseases. If a grandparent, parent or sibling developed heart disease or stroke early in life, you may have a genetic predisposition.

Many aspects of lifestyle can have an effect on the probability of your developing heart disease. Regular physical exercise reduces your chances substantially. More energy, less stress, and lifted spirits make daily exercise a superlative habit to acquire.

Inactive women are twice as likely to die from heart disease and stroke, compared to active women. One hour of activity daily makes a difference, even when spread out over six periods of ten or more minutes each throughout your day. Maintaining your weight in a healthy range lessens your chance of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes which are all factors that increase your risk of heart problems.

Eating a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, and rice, olive oil, lean meat moderately, lots of fish, chicken, salad greens, and soy products, along with lots of clean, pure water is a good beginning. Research healthy food guides available online and in literature at your health food store.

Stop smoking. Women who smoke are six times more likely to have a heart attack, and twice as likely to have a stroke, when compared to non-smokers. Laser therapy, nicotine patches, medications, herbal supplements, and support groups are available for help. Stay away from second-hand smoke as well.

Keeping stress levels minimal benefits every aspect of your health. Stress increases your heart rate, causes higher blood cholesterol levels, increases blood pressure, interferes with sleep patterns, may cause teeth grinding, indigestion, and menstrual irregularity. Check out resources to aid with stress management.

Diabetes is a high risk factor in developing cardiovascular problems. If you have diabetes you need to be extra wary about making positive lifestyle choices. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure need to be regularly checked, especially past the age of fifty.

Sometimes blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be maintained at healthy levels through lifestyle changes such as losing weight, managing your stress level, keeping a healthy, low-fat diet, drinking lots of clean water and reducing salt intake. Medications may be required, but supplements are available which are safe alternatives to statins without uncomfortable side effects. Look for one which contains niacin, magnesium, phytosterols, omega - 3 fish oils, anti-oxidants, and amino acids.


Mark Whiteman, GetSolace offers health advice for people who want to take control of their ”heart health" and live a long, productive life. Articles on Cholesterol management, and non medical procedures can be found at http://www.getsolace.com

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