07/13/2022
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women. According to American Heart Association statistics, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease at some point in their lives. However, you might be surprised to learn that more than 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.
Paying attention to the risk factors can keep your heart disease at bay. Our expert from the best heart hospital in Jaipur has shared a few facts that every woman should know. Keep reading to learn more about such facts in brief.
Keep a track of your heart health numbers.
You most likely have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor. After the age of 20, you should have your cholesterol checked every five years. Maintain a blood pressure of less than 120/80 for optimal heart health.
Aim for total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol of more than 50 mg/dL, and triglycerides of less than 150 mg/dL.
Maintaining your waistline for keeping your heart healthy.
As per our Cardiac specialist in Jaipur, a BMI greater than 24.9, combined with a waist measurement greater than 35 inches, increases your risk of heart disease. A healthy diet and exercise routine will aid in bringing both numbers under control.
Your BMI can be calculated by your doctor, or you can use an online adult BMI calculator to know the number.
Knowing the risk factors can help in keeping your heart healthy.
Are you obese or overweight, a smoker, or physically inactive? Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure? Each one poses a risk. At least three out of every four women over the age of 40 have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Each additional risk factor raises your overall risk significantly. Discuss with your doctor how to defuse each one of them.
Hormones can influence your heart health.
Until menopause, when women lose estrogen, estrogen provides some protection against heart disease. Furthermore, the hormones in birth control pills may play a role in the risk of heart disease. If you smoke and are over the age of 35, or have other risk factors, taking the pill may increase your risk of heart disease. Birth control pills are generally safe for healthy women who do not smoke.
Develop healthy habits to keep your heart healthy.
Did you know that inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease? Being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, and quitting smoking are all ways to improve your heart health.
Do not ignore subtle symptoms.
It is worth noting that approximately 40% of women have no chest symptoms at all. Despite these findings, the American Heart and Stroke Associations note that chest pain remains the most common warning sign in both sexes, affecting approximately 60% of all heart attack patients. These subtle symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, fainting, back pain, and exhaustion. Do not ignore such symptoms, they may indicate a heart attack. Keep a note of these signs and without any hesitation consult your heart specialist.
You can request a heart disease risk assessment from your doctor. There are several online tools to calculate your risk, but you must know your numbers—for example, your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Do your best to reduce your risk factors, take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family.
If you need a second opinion and want to know more about your heart health, consult our best Cardiologist in Jaipur. They will provide the best possible tips for having a healthful heart.