It is estimated that one in four deaths in women is caused by heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Women need to be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of heart disease.
“Women experience a combination of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, neck, jaw, and throat pain, and upper back pain, with or without activity,” said Abrazo West Campus Medical in Goodyear and Abrazo. said Dr. Gagan Kaur, a staff cardiologist. Arrowhead Campus in Glendale.
She explained that “heart disease” is an umbrella term that includes a variety of conditions.
• Coronary artery disease: This is the most common type of heart disease in the United States and causes what is called a “heart attack.” The heart is a pump and has its own blood supply called the coronary arteries. Coronary artery disease is a condition in which these blood vessels become clogged with cholesterol plaques, blocking blood flow.
• arrhythmia: This is when the electrical activity of the heart is disturbed. Examples include atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, which are characterized by irregular heartbeats.
• Heart valve disease: The most common forms of valve disease include mitral or aortic stenosis, or so-called leaky valves.
• Congestive heart failure: This refers to a condition in which the heart muscle is weakened, or “pump dysfunction.”
Traditional risk factors for heart disease are family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. These affect women and men alike, Kaur said.
“Age is a risk factor for women, and the older you get, the higher your risk of heart disease. Unless you have diabetes, women generally develop coronary artery disease 10 years later in life than men,” she said. Ta.
Mental stress and depression affect women more than men. Depression can make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow recommended treatments. Declining estrogen levels after menopause are a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in smaller blood vessels.
Fortunately, Kaur said women can take steps to reduce their risk of developing heart disease.
“You can't change aging or your family history, so focus on what you can change,” she said.
“These steps include getting more exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week, including 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking per day. .”
She advises avoiding “white foods” such as white sugar, flour, rice, bread, and pasta (carbohydrates/starch). No soda and no diet. Control your food portions and eat more greens and greens. Quit smoking, lower your stress levels, and limit your alcohol intake.
“You know yourself better than anyone else. If you feel something isn't right, don't ignore it and hope it goes away. Talk to your doctor,” says Kaur. said.
For information about Heart Month health screening events, to perform a heart health risk assessment, or to find a doctor, visit www.abrazohealth.com.
