For whatever reason, our society seems to think of heart health as a man’s game. Perhaps because women tend to be more careful about what they eat and more concerned with their physical body size, issues of heart disease fall under the radar for women too often.
But cardiology is important for women to understand as well. An astounding 90% of women have one or more of the risk factors for developing congenital heart disease. Here’s what the cardiologists and heart specialists want you to know before you have to come and see them.
- Choose a Healthy Diet, Not a Fad Diet.
We tend to think of the word “diet” to mean only “losing weight.” But a diet is simply what you eat, no matter the day. The three biggest things you should think about in terms of a heart-healthy diet are sodium, trans fats, and refined sugars. Limit these in your meals and snacks and you may just see a slimmer waist in addition to a healthy heart. - Pay Attention to Existing Conditions.
If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, these are all risk factors for the development of heart disease. It’s never too early to talk with a cardiology specialist in addition to your regular doctor to learn how to effectively manage your conditions before they get out of hand. - Know the Signs of a Heart Attack.
Be able to recognize the symptoms of a possible heart attack — not just when observing someone else, but in case they happen to you. Chest pain is a clear sign, along with cold sweats, sudden dizziness or shortness of breath, upper body pain, and fatigue or nausea. Call 911 right away if you experience these symptoms.
We all know it’s important to take care of our health from a physical standpoint. We want to look good — but ultimately, it’s what’s inside that counts. Cardiology health and awareness is the number-one way to prevent heart failure before it even has a chance to begin.
About 43 million American women are currently affected by heart disease. Don’t become a statistic: stay healthy and active for a full, heart-healthy life.
