Our Number One Killer

By drodriguez Feb 26, 2011

Chances are you have no idea that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Some new guidelines and information published by the American Heart Association (AHA) reveals that nearly half of women do not know that heart disease is our number one killer and almost half of women admitted they would not call 911 if they were experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

In an attempt to raise awareness and save women’s lives the AHA has issued some new guidelines about women and heart disease. An article from the Boston Globe outlines some of the new information being revealed about our heart health.  Doctors are being asked to get serious about screening women who are more prone to suffering a heart attack or stroke.

They are also asked to urge women patients to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio workout each week.  Cutting down on salt, eating healthy portions of fruits and vegetables and quitting smoking are also important ways women can cut down on their risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, only about 4 percent of women aged 50 to 79 are currently doing all of these things.

Some other major risk factors for heart disease have to do with how a women handles her pregnancy.  Dr. Lori Mosca, cardiologist and member of the AHA guideline committee, warns that women who have a history of pregnancy induced hypertension (preeclampsia) face double the risk of stroke, heart disease and dangerous clotting in the 5 to 15 years following pregnancy. Dr. Mosca explains, “We consider pregnancy like a physical and metabolic stress test, and complications are like failing the stress test.” Women who experience complications during pregnancy, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, should be more vigilant about keeping an eye on their heart health.

What do you think of some of the new information about women and heart disease?

Do you think by educating women about heart disease they may be more proactive about their heart health in the future?

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Comments

by Sardonix | Miami, FL

Apr 04, 2011

hacres.com is a great site to check out, if you are seriously wanting to reverse any disease in your life.

by sweetsiren | Grand Rapids, MI

Mar 03, 2011

I, too, am glad that this is becoming a more well voiced issue. I am guilty of not taking care of myself as well, putting others needs and wants ahead of mine. Actively, I have stopped eating fast food and try to cut out as much sodium as possible every day. I think the biggest thing for me is getting away from my reliance on processed foods. My husband and I have been gradually making more meals at home which can be costly, yes, but in the long run, we'll be saving in health and peace of mind.

by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX

Mar 02, 2011

I'm glad the information is getting out there. I know the medical providers I've seen still haven't been acknowledging it.

by lesliegh | south prairie , WA

Feb 28, 2011

Me and my husband just resently wached a doc. on are food today ,, we have cut out almost all fast food and eat very healthy now and fil great , and im telling everybody i know how great i fill and encougeing them to do the same . its hard at first but so worht it in the end..:)

by Rinich4n | downey, CA

Feb 28, 2011

I think its good that people are starting to realize that we are having an issue with our health, that things we put in our bodies are affecting us in the end. I do agree that we should cut back on the salt intake especially when we eat out because if you look at the sodium percentage, it's incredible how high the numbers are. I do believe that education on heart disease would help people not only realize that they are hurting themselves but to keep them aware of any symptoms they may be having with their heart. Like the article said, some women didnt even realize they were having a heart attack. So having classes or online articles that explain and introduce such consequences would be beneficial to both the reader and possibly for the person that may be taking care of another person.

by bean42069 | Goldsboro, NC

Feb 28, 2011

This is so scary! Most women don't really realize just how vital they are to their families! They think, Oh, I'll get myself checked out after the kids are well again, or when the husband is not so busy at work, but by that time, it may be too late. Women, we are doing our families NO GOOD by always putting someone else first!

by amandastacy | McMinnville, TN

Feb 27, 2011

I think its great they are bringing more awarness to women on heart heart health issues. As women we sometime put our selfs aside to often to care for everyone else. It is evry important we take the time to do things for our health.