Information on Heart Disease
About Heart Disease in Women
The public awareness about heart disease in women has increased over the last few years. It was always believed that heart disease affected both men and women in the same way and followed the same kind of pathology. We now know that men and women experience symptoms different ways. However, heart disease in women and men both have common factors for which prevention can be equally effective.
Heart Disease More In Men
Most people still think that heart disease happens more often for men than women. This is not true however and especially not true for women over 65. It is possible for men to have more heart problems in their fifties, but the statistics even out after women hit the age of 65. Heart disease is found to be the number one killer of women who are 65 or older. American women have four to six times the chance of dying from heart disease than from breast cancer. Heart disease is a bigger killer for women in this age group than the different types of cancer added together.
More Men Survive Heart Attacks
The popular studies show that men are more likely to survive a heart attack caused by heart disease than their females. Women may have a lower survivability due to what may be a more fragile heart. They just have smaller vessels and they are less likely to survive because they are less likely to see a doctor with the first symptoms. One thing for sure more research is needed to prevent higher fatality rates due to heart disease in women.
We Can’t Change Our Age
We can’t do much about how old we are or what genetic cards we have been dealt. Women really need to make their doctors aware of conditions that run in their families, especially like heart disease. We can be pro-active and take charge of our health by making changes in our lifestyle to avoid heart disease. It is very dangerous women should not smoke if they are using birth control pills.
Maintain the Cholesterol
It is very important to maintain cholesterol levels and blood pressure to prevent heart disease in women. Consult with your doctor to find out what steps you can take to avoid heart disease.
Extra Weight on Woman
Extra weight adds undue stress on the heart and on the arteries more than men because of the smaller hearts. By losing the excess weight it will reduce your chances of possibly developing other dangerous illnesses like diabetes. A side from getting rid of the extra weight, you should exercise consistently. Your heart needs to be “exercised” to build stamina just like your body’s other muscles to be in the best condition possible.
Aerobic Exercises
All kinds of indoor and outdoor aerobic exercises that work the heart are available for women. Don’t forget swimming, running, or cycling would be a smart choice. It is okay for you to use the treadmill or exercise bike as well. It is important to find a routine that you like so you will stick with it. It is a good idea that you get at least 20 minutes of heart-pumping interval training exercise three days a week. This is what you heart needs but you may need to do a little more than that to get a good healthy habit started. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting any other exercise program. A new option for the whole family in this day and age is to get the new Wii Fit it really makes the aerobic exercises fun for all.