Heart disease is not reserved only for men – no way. But strangely enough, for many years that was a standard misconception.
Thanks to organizations like The American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women campaign, along with February’s designation as American Heart Month, understanding is increasing. Heart disease is actually the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States.
But the good news is that it can often be prevented with healthy choices and proper management of existing health conditions. Here are a few pointers for women of all ages from Dr. Angela Brown, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine. It’s never too early to set the groundwork for a healthy, happy heart, and never too late to make improvements.
20s: It is important for women in their 20s to establish an early relationship with their doctor to ensure that they are truly healthy versus only looking healthy. The focus should be on prevention: don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption, make exercise a regular priority, choose healthy foods, be mindful of emotional eating, and be realistic about weight.
30s: A balanced life is key. Developing healthy habits during this time will pay off for a healthier life later on. Consistency will set a good example for other women around you. The focus should be on preparation: schedule time to exercise, keep healthy snacks available, plan meals ahead of time, whether cooking at home or eating out, and make an annual appointment for a complete physical examination.
40s: The choices that are made now have a direct impact on your health later in life. Even if you feel like you are too set in your ways to make a change, it’s never too late. Small choices can improve your health. Focus on listening to your body: eat nutrient-full foods, balance calories in and calories out, stay active to control weight and to improve mood, metabolism and cholesterol, and ask your healthcare provider about your risk for Type 2 diabetes, which usually develops after age 45.
50s: At this point, life appears to move quickly, whether you have dramatic family changes or adjustments in your professional life. Staying healthy and fit goes a long way! Focus on health and fitness: track your heart-health numbers – blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose, choose foods with the lowest sodium content, stay active, which helps balance body changes that come with menopause and age, and keep taking any prescribed medications, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
60s (and beyond): A healthy heart can help you live life to the fullest! Focus on your plan: listen to your body and talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns, think nutrition – stay away from pre-packaged or frozen meals, get enough calcium, find an enjoyable activity that provides the right level of exercise for your body, maintain a healthy weight to decrease negative impact on quality of life, and learn the warning signs of heart disease and stroke!
Brown is board certified in Internal Medicine and certified as a hypertension specialist by the American Society of Hypertension.She has been voted one of St. Louis’ “Best Doctors for Cardiovascular Disease” for the past nine years.Visit goredforwomen.org for more information on women’s heart health.
Typical symptoms of a heart attack:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Arm, neck, jaw or back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
Symptoms more specific to women:
- Upper body discomfort or indigestion, without chest pain or pressure
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Sudden anxiety or confusion
Signs and symptoms of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
