By Dr. Lisa Tannock
Women often think of heart disease as a "men’s disease." Unfortunately, this is wrong. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, are the leading killers of women in the United States, accounting for a third of all deaths.
Since 1984, the number of cardiovascular deaths for women has exceeded the number for men. This can be explained by several factors, including under-diagnosis and under-treatment of cardiovascular disease in women compared to men.
In general, women develop heart disease at an older age than men. However, this is not true in the case of women with diabetes.
Another common misconception is that people with heart disease will have warning signs in the form of symptoms. About 50 percent of men and 64 percent of women who die of heart disease have no previous symptoms. When women do have symptoms, they are often vague and non-specific complaints such as fatigue, nausea or back discomfort.
Major risk factors for heart disease include high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol), low levels of HDL ("good" cholesterol), high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
A recent research study demonstrated that nine modifiable factors – those that patients can do something about – account for over 90 percent of the risk of a heart attack. These include the major risk factors mentioned above, in addition to lack of physical activity, excess weight in the abdominal area, infrequent dietary fruit and vegetable consumption, and high levels of stress.
So what can you do to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease?
First, try to understand your risk. If you have already had a heart attack or stroke, if you come from a family where many relatives have had heart attacks or strokes, if you smoke, or if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you are at a higher risk for having a heart attack or stroke in the next few years.
See your physician to determine if medical treatments can help control your risk factors.
Numerous research studies indicate that some medications taken to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes can also reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
However, in order for these medications to work, they need to be taken as instructed by a doctor. Many medications are very expensive, but less costly alternatives are often available. Do not be embarrassed to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you do not know your blood sugar or cholesterol levels, see your health care provider. A simple blood test and physical examination can help determine your risk. If diabetes runs in your family, your blood sugar level after 10-12 hours of fasting can determine if you have diabetes or are likely to develop diabetes in the next few years.
Try to increase your physical activity.
For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator when you can. Park your car in the farthest corner of the parking lot and walk into the bank, rather than using the drive-through. Forget that you’ve memorized the supermarket layout, and instead walk up and down every aisle: You might even find some new, appealing foods that are good for you.
Be careful with what you eat : Try to limit foods high in fat, and limit total calories.
Don’t obsess over your weight, but keep in mind that even a small weight loss (5-10 pounds) can significantly lower your blood pressure, cholesterol level and diabetes risk.
Moderate alcohol consumption (three to four drinks per week) has been shown to be beneficial for those who can tolerate alcohol. But remember: Excessive consumption increases risks for heart disease as well as other serious health problems.
Finally, keep in mind that cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women. If you have symptoms that concern you – such as nausea or fatigue with walking – check with your doctor. It is much better to prevent a heart attack or stroke than to recover from one.
Dr. Lisa Tannock is on staff at the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center at the University of Kentucky.
