There’s no doubt that heart health is a crucial part of overall well-being. But, did you know that it holds particular significance for women? Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, surpassing breast cancer. Studies show that approximately 80% of women between the ages of 40 and 60 have at least one risk factor. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into women’s cardiovascular health, explore the benefits of preventative heart care and share tips on how to preserve your health.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
While anyone can suffer from heart problems, there are certain factors that increase your risk. These include a poor diet, diabetes, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. Unlike men, however, women experience the following additional risk factors:
- Smaller heart structure: Women have smaller hearts and blood vessels, as well as thinner muscular walls. This size difference makes women’s hearts more susceptible to cardiovascular issues.
- Pregnancy-related conditions: Many conditions linked to pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Hormonal changes during menopause: During the early stages of puberty, women experience an increase in estrogen. Although estrogen is known for its role in sexual and reproductive development, it’s also vital to protecting heart health. More specifically, it relaxes the arteries and encourages good cholesterol. As women approach menopausal age, estrogen levels decrease, thus increasing the risk of heart disease.
There’s no way to change your heart structure or prevent hormonal changes. However, there are preventative measures you can take.
Preventative Heart Care Strategies
Healthy lifestyle habits go a long way toward preventing heart issues. If you’re not already, try to do the following:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Consume a well-rounded, heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit foods that can clog your arteries, such as saturated and trans fats.
- Exercise regularly: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity every week. This can include anything from strength training and stretching to running and swimming.
- Limit substance use: Things like alcohol and smoking increase your risk of heart disease.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep is linked to several health issues, including heart problems. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night.
- Manage stress: Heart health isn’t just a physical issue; it’s also connected to emotional well-being. Stress encourages inflammation, which in turn affects your arteries. Things like meditation, breathing exercises and social interaction help lower stress levels.
Although lifestyle changes are highly beneficial, they’re not always enough to protect heart health. For more serious cases, medical interventions can help.
Medical Interventions for Heart Health
Medical interventions involve using medication or surgical methods to prevent or manage heart problems. They may include the following:
- Blood pressure medication: Drugs like ace inhibitors and beta blockers lower blood pressure levels.
- Cholesterol medication: Drugs such as statins help control cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes management: Managing diabetes with insulin treatments lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy: This therapy reduces the risk of heart attacks by preventing blood clots.
- Surgical interventions: Certain procedures, such as angioplasties or coronary artery bypass grafting, repair artery damage before it escalates to heart disease.
At South Tampa Cardiology, we offer high-quality, preventative cardiology care. With the help of advanced imaging technology, we’ll evaluate your current condition, detect early heart disease and determine the best course of action. When paired with healthy lifestyle habits, our medical solutions can protect your heart health and improve overall well-being. Make an appointment today to learn more.
Resources for Women’s Heart Health
If you’re dealing with heart problems, you’re not alone. Over 60 million women in the United States have some sort of heart disease. Here are some resources that help you manage your health:
- SCAD Alliance
- WomenHeart
- Society for Women’s Health Research
- My Heart Risk (mobile application)
- Blood Pressure Monitor (mobile application)
In addition to using these resources, keep your medical provider updated about any symptoms. And, if you’re interested in preventative care, don’t hesitate to contact our cardiology clinic in Tampa.