Get heart smart
It is imperative for women to get heart smart, as heart trouble is no longer just a ‘man's’ problem. Even though breast cancer is considered to be a bigger threat, statistics clearly show that it is heart disease that kills more women every year worldwide. So wake up and smell the stress (that’s leading to it).
Modern day stress – dual pressure of working outside and also at home has a definitely say in increasing the numbers. Women now are getting into male bastions - becoming type A personalities (leading a stressful life, smoking, drinking excessively), their food habits have changed and excess weight is a huge problem – all these skyrocket the risk. Plus diabetes is on a rise in women. And a diabetic woman has three to seven times increased risk of developing heart disease and heart attack compared to a non-diabetic woman.
There’s more bad news here. Research suggests that when heart attack or stroke occurs, it is more likely to be fatal in women. When women have a heart attack (myocardial infarction), the amount of heart muscle destroyed is likely to be larger, and they are more liable to go into shock, heart failure, and to die. Yet the irony is that women generally remain unaware of the extent of their risk.
Earlier the better. We must learn about heart disease risk factors at a much earlier age and not wait until they are already late. But that said it’s never too late to start taking good care of our heart. So begin now.
Smoking is the single most preventable cause. Women who smoke have a much higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke. Constant exposure to second-hand smoke at work or at home also increases the risk.
Most women can decrease risk in just a few months by exercising regularly. Regular exercise does not mean that one needs to be a marathoner. You can net the benefits even by walking for 30-45 minutes five times a week.
And of course eating a preventive diet really helps. Five or more servings of fruits or vegetables daily and, a diet generally low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and nil trans fats is the way to go. Simple steps likeupping potassium and lowering sodium intake, keeping sugar intake minimal, ensuring enough omega 3, ensuring enough fibre and reading the labels carefully can go a long way in keeping our heart in the pink.
Finally all women over the age of 20 should get their lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride levels) checked regularly. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly too (once every month). And of course it is important to eat foods that help bolster the heart’s health.