February is American Heart Month

Heart Disease Prevention in Women

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age. In 2021, it was responsible for the deaths of 310,661 women—or about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Research has shown that only about half (56%) of US women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.[1]

 

 

Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

 

With such a high prevalence, how do women prevent heart disease? The key is consistency when following these steps:

  1. Know your numbers – the “numbers” refer to your blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and glucose numbers.

2.     Watch for diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is linked to heart disease, According to the American Diabetes Association[2], the common symptoms of diabetes include:

o   Urinating often

    • Feeling very thirsty

    • Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating

    • Extreme fatigue

    • Blurry vision

    • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

    • Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)

    • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

 

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

 

  1. Quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. This includes vaporizers and cigarettes.

  2. Be physically active. Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This can be in increments of 30 minutes for five days or an hour three days a week – it doesn’t matter. Any extra physical activity will help your heart.

  3. Eat healthy. Being overweight or obese unfortunately increases your risk of developing heart disease at some point in your lifetime.  

  4. Watch your alcohol intake. More than one drink per day may increase your risks of developing heart disease. If you are pregnant, do not drink alcohol – it is not safe during gestation.

  5. Find ways to reduce stress. We all deal with daily stressors but it’s the way you manage and cope with them that make all the difference. Find the solution that’s right for you. Examples include speaking with a therapist, setting boundaries and/or focusing on fitness, which naturally helps reduce stress hormones.

 

 

About Health Care Medical Infusion Specialties

Trusted for two decades by patients, hospital systems, and health care institutions statewide, Health Care Medical Infusion Specialties is Mississippi’s leading and most comprehensive provider of infusion services, nutritional and immunity IV therapy, and durable medical equipment for adults and children.

 


[1] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm, Accessed January 16, 2024.

[2] https://www2.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2/symptoms?gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9e_NMFz-ERsWawPprJm0gPMRR1T8kHPBb7KiSWBuNmAL4UuSYqzgk-hoCD-EQAvD_BwE, Accessed January 16, 2024.

Robyn Pollack