|
Women and Heart Disease
By: Gigi Sorenson R.N., M.S.
Director, CardioPulmonary Services, FMC
Results of a recent study showed that
only 8% of women believe heart disease is the greatest health threat to
women. Heart disease is epidemic in women as well as men. Women usually
develop heart disease ten years after men. By then, women are often more
concerned about cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis, which tend to draw
attention away from the real concern of heart disease.
Before age 50, women seem to be protected from heart disease by estrogen,
which lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol. But as
women approach menopause, their LDL (bad) cholesterol and total
cholesterol levels go up. Loss of estrogen is a contributor to the
increased risk of heart disease after menopause. Many studies on hormone
replacement therapy and heart disease have been recently published. Women
should discuss this issue with their doctor.
Heart disease ranks far ahead of cancer and other diseases common in women
as a cause of death. It kills nearly twice as many women as all forms of
cancer combined. Women need to understand the warning signals of a heart
attack and the need to respond immediately. Today heart attack victims can
benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in
years past. Clot busting drugs or balloon angioplasty can stop some heart
attacks in progress, reducing disability and saving lives.
The warning signs for heart attack are signals to get help immediately.
Some heart attacks come on suddenly and show intense symptoms. Most heart
attacks come on slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Most heart attacks
involve discomfort in the chest area described as pressure, squeezing,
fullness or pain lasting for more than a few minutes. Discomfort or pain
can also be felt in one or both arms, the back, neck, or jaw. Shortness of
breath with the chest discomfort is also common. Other signs which are
more common in women include; nausea, lightheadedness, breaking out in a
cold sweat.
The pain or discomfort may last for a few minutes and then come and go. It
is important to recognize the warning signs and get help.
To ensure that you get the latest and most accurate information, take
charge of your health. Make it a point to ask your doctor about the risks
you face as woman and the preventative measures you should take. Nothing
could be more important than having the information on how to battle heart
disease.
If you have additional questions, please contact your local healthcare
provider.
Reference: American Heart Association |
|
|
Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
|
