Health Tip Of The Week - The #1 Disease Affecting Women & How To Avoid It

Facts About Heart Disease

-  Heart Disease kills one in three women, that's one woman every single minute.

-  90% of woman have one or more risk factors

-  The symptoms in women can be very different from those in men, and are often not recognized as being related to heart disease or a heart attack.

-  While 1 in 31 women in the US dies of heart disease, 1 in 3 dies of heart disease.  Yet, we seem to be more aware of cancer and it's risks.

What Causes Heart Disease?

-  Heart Failure or Congestive Heart Failure - the heart is working, but isn't pumping blood as well as it should, or getting enough oxygen.

-  Arrhythmia or an Abnormal Heart Beat - The heart is either beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

-  Heart Valve Problems - Can prevent adequate blood flow to the heart.

Prevention

-  Don't Smoke

-  Maintain Normal Blood Sugar

-  Have a healthy blood pressure

-  Maintain A Healthy Cholesterol

-  Know Your Family History

-  Stay Active

-  Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

-  Eat A Healthy Diet

If you are looking to improve your heart health, here are some healthy options to add to your diet.

-  Salmon

-  Ground Flaxseed

-  Oatmeal

-  Black or Kidney Beans

-  Almonds

-  Walnuts

-  Red Wine

Heart Attack Symptoms

Women's symptoms can be vary different from men's, therefore they are often dismissed.  Which leads to complications or even death.  If you experience these symptoms, you could be having a heart attack...

-  Chest Pain or Discomfort - Anywhere in the chest, not just the left side.

-  Pain in your arms, neck, back, and/or jaw - This symptom is more common in women, and is often not associated with a heart attack.  It can be a gradual or sudden pain.

-  Stomach Pain - It often feels like an elephant is sitting on your stomach.

-  Shortness Of Breath, Nausea, or Lightheadedness - If you are short of breath for no apparent reason, and especially if you are experiencing more symptoms, you could be having a heart attack.

-  Sweating - Breaking out in a cold sweat.  It will feel more like a nervous sweat.

-  Fatigue - Even if you haven't moved or have been sitting most of the day.  Women often refer to fatigue in their chest, and may even have a hard time completing a simple task, like going to the bathroom.

Try to remember some of these symptoms in case you or someone you know is possibly having a heart attack.  Knowing the symptoms could save a life.  Also, make sure you see your doctor for regular checkups, and discuss any concerns you may have.  You are never too old or too young to start taking care of yourself!

-XOXO Monique