Women & Heart Disease
La Porte Regional Health System, as well as the La Porte Hospital Foundation and other community partners such as the 2BigHearts Foundation, recognizes the importance of heart health for today’s women. Why is it different than for men? Because heart disease may manifest itself in different ways in women compared to men. And screening is important because some heart disease offers no warning signs at all.
The purpose of women’s awareness is to increase their action against risk factors for heart disease. In 1997, only 30% of women identified that cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death among women. By 2005, thanks to educational programs, 57% of women answered correctly.
Although there has been an increased awareness through education, there is an alarming trend showing the prevalence and management of risk factors in women is getting worse. Women are learning more, but managing their own risks of heart disease less.
Research shows that 38% of women will die within one year of a first heart attack and twice as likely as men to die within the first few weeks after a heart attack. Don’t wait for a cardiac event. Studies indicate women wait longer than men to go to an emergency room and that doctors are slower to diagnose heart attacks in women because their patterns of chest pain are “atypical.” Females may not have crushing chest pain or pressure. Instead, unexplained fatigue along with shortness of breath, and nausea, may be a precursor. Call 911 if your symptoms last longer than five minutes or become more intense. Tell your healthcare provider you think you are having a heart attack.
The term cardiovascular disease refers to disease of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases includes arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, shock, endocarditis, diseases of the aorta and its branches, disorders of the peripheral vascular system, and congenital heart disease.
The largest subset of these killers comes from coronary heart disease — blockage in the vessels that feed the heart muscle. Cardiovascular disease that affects the heart’s rhythm also can be unpredictably fatal if not identified.
Unidentified and untreated heart disease is dangerous! When there is lack of oxygenated blood, the receiving organ (heart) struggles. If this persists, tissue can die. When heart tissue dies, there is no reversing the damage, and this can lead to a poor quality of life, heart failure, and eventually death.
As women we need to know:
• Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America.
• 1 in 4 women die of a heart attack, an improvement from 1 in 3 five years ago.
• Stroke is the third leading killer
When should a woman learn her risks? The American Heart Association recommends women learn their risk factors and “numbers” by age 20.
What should my numbers be?
• Blood pressure: less than or equal to 120/80 consistently or while on treatment
• Cholesterol (specific to women)
— Total: less than 200
— HDL (“good” cholesterol): greater than 50
— LDL: less than 130
— Triglycerides: less than 150
• Glucose (blood sugar): Less than 100 after fasting
• Waist measurement — Less than 35. This is because too much belly fat can cause inflammation to the lining of the blood vessels creating vulnerability for plaque build up and artery blockages.
• Body Mass Index: Ideal is less than 24
Take action and take care of yourself while you can with exercise, a healthy diet, and regular visits to your healthcare provider. PREVENTION IS THE KEY! If your knees and hips let you walk, take full advantage of that. Biking or water aerobics will get the heart rate up and force blood to the tiny vessels improving circulation. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Stop smoking — discuss options with your physician for nicotine replacement. Remember: always talk to your healthcare provider before adopting new health practices.
The good news: heart disease is preventable and usually treatable. Schedule your screening today by calling 219-326-2626!*
*Screening is for qualified individuals who are not undergoing treatment for heart disease.
For information about making a difference by contributing to the Heart Fund of the La Porte Hospital Foundation (which goes to support patients and services related to heart disease in our communities), visit the La Porte Hospital Foundation.