Heart Health

When people think of February, the first thing to come to mind is most likely Valentine’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate love and those special people around you. February also finds all the candy in the store packaged in red and pink. Hearts and heart-shaped items traditionally symbolize this month and holiday, so why not take the time during February to consider heart health, specifically in women?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States. The term heart disease can refer to several different conditions, ranging anywhere from a heart attack to coronary artery disease. To decrease these numbers, it is essential women know the signs and symptoms of heart disease as well as preventive measures they can take to reduce their risk. Common symptoms of heart disease include pain or discomfort in the chest, pain in the neck, jaw or throat, and back pain. Along with these, women may experience nausea or vomiting when experiencing a heart attack. There are several reasons why someone may be considered at risk for heart disease. Some of these reasons include being overweight, having diabetes, smoking, eating an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. According to the CDC, about half the women in the United States have at least one to three of these risk factors present.

Certainly, drastic lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease, but so can simple tweaks to daily life. Exercise is the number one way to reduce heart disease and has many other benefits, such as stress relief and increased endorphins. Exercising daily promotes improved blood flow as well as decreases resting heart rate. For women who do smoke, quitting smoking is crucial to reducing risk. Eating a well-balanced diet can also be a good way to keep your heart health on track. Certain foods are considered to be extra “heart healthy” and can support both the strength of a person’s heart and the health of blood vessels. Whole grains, berries and dark chocolate are all good examples of heart healthy foods. Switching a sweet treat for some berries and dark chocolate can have great benefits for the heart and overall diet, especially during this month when candy seems to present itself everywhere! Along with maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake can promote a healthy heart.

Another important step that women should take is to schedule a visit with a primary care physician at least once a year. Discussing and testing cholesterol and triglycerides can give insight into any changes that need to be made for a person to reduce her risk. It is also important to understand that it is never too early to start monitoring your cholesterol and overall heart health. Although risk increases over time, taking preventive measures at a younger age can help reduce the risk down the line.

Tori Saver is an intern for KC Parent. She is studying strategic communications with a business minor at CU Boulder.

As always, please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns.