A Woman’s Checklist for Good Heart Health

Women can stay healthy and prevent disease by doing these things:

• Get recommended screenings
• If you smoke stop; if you don’t smoke don’t start
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Eat a healthy varied diet
• Take prescribed medications only if you need them

Both cardiovascular disease and cancer are among the leading causes of death in our country and are responsible for more than 50 percent of deaths in women.

The following suggestions are taken from the American Heart Association and can help you be in better control of your life with the prevention and early detection of heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease can be controlled with proper diet, active lifestyle which includes daily cardiovascular exercise and medication if necessary.

Know your risk factors:

• Family History: Is important and can be predictive of cardiovascular disease.
• Obesity: Excess body fat increases the incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and stroke.
• High blood pressure: This is a major risk factor for heart attack and the most important risk factor for stroke.
• High blood cholesterol: This is a major risk factor for heart disease and also increases the risk of stroke. There is good and bad cholesterol so it is therefore important to know your numbers and discuss them with your doctor.
• Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at greater risk of heart disease and heart attack than women without diabetes. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, have a test for diabetes.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease in women. Speak to a physician about effective ways to quit smoking.
• Alcohol: Although a glass of red wine a day may help prevent heart disease, more than one drink per day may be harmful.
• Physical activity: At least 30 minutes of physical activity on most or all days of the week should be part of woman’s daily routine.
• Nutrition: Proper nutrition includes a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, water, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, which is low in fats.

Call your Doctor if you have any of the following warning signs:

Warning Signs of Heart Attack:

• Chest discomfort
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach)
• Shortness of breath (may occur with or without chest discomfort)
• Other signs: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness

Warning Signs of a Stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on the side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause