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February is American Heart Month — a great time to know what’s at stake by way of your cardiovascular health.
For women over age 50, just a few factors concerning coronary heart health deserve a bit extra consideration, based on experts.
Cardiovascular illness (CVD) is the main reason for loss of life in women, based on Northwell Health heart specialist Dr. Stacey Rosen, who relies in New York.
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Nearly 45% of women over 20 years previous are literally dwelling with some type of CVD, Rosen informed Fox News Digital.
Gender-specific risk factors embody menstrual historical past and opposed being pregnant outcomes, she stated.
Cardiovascular illness is the main reason for loss of life in women, based on experts. For American Heart Month in February, there are risk factors women must learn about — and the way to deal with them. (iStock)
“Other sex-specific risk factors include anxiety and depression, increased risk due to certain treatments for breast cancer, and rheumatologic conditions,” she stated.
Dr. John Whyte, chief medical officer of WebMD and based mostly in Washington, D.C., additionally informed Fox News Digital about some main risk factors for women age 50 and older — beginning with menopause.
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“The decrease in estrogen levels after menopause is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” he stated. “That’s one of the reasons [we see an] increase in heart attacks around this age.”
High blood stress and excessive ldl cholesterol additionally usually improve with age and may turn into “more challenging to control,” Whyte stated.
Gender-specific coronary heart illness risk factors embody menopause, menstrual historical past and opposed being pregnant outcomes, based on experts. (iStock)
“Changes in cholesterol levels, including increases in ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and decreases in ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, can elevate heart disease risk,” he stated.
Diabetes risk additionally will increase with age, which considerably raises the possibility of coronary heart illness, Whyte stated, as do different health factors corresponding to weight problems, smoking and a sedentary way of life.
“Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of heart disease and other co-morbid conditions,” he added.
Symptoms value noticing
As women usually expertise totally different cardiac signs than males, the “classic chest pain that radiates down the left arm” might not happen, Whyte stated.
Women might as a substitute discover uncommon or excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and indigestion.
Jaw, neck and higher again ache are sometimes ignored, as they usually happen with out the chest ache related to coronary heart assaults, based on experts.
“The symptoms women experience with heart disease can often be different,” Rosen of New York stated.
“Don’t ignore new symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness or indigestion.”
Symptoms of coronary heart issues in women can seem as uncommon or extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and indigestion. (iStock)
There are a number of routine exams to watch coronary heart health, Whyte famous.
Blood stress screenings are “crucial,” the physician stated, as “hypertension is a silent killer.”
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An annual ldl cholesterol profile verify will monitor ranges of HDL (“good” ldl cholesterol), LDL (“bad” ldl cholesterol) and triglyceride (lipid fat).
“The key is not just total cholesterol, but also LDL,” Whyte stated.
An annual ldl cholesterol profile verify will assist monitor HDL (“good” ldl cholesterol), LDL (“bad” ldl cholesterol) and triglyceride ranges. (iStock)
Blood glucose exams can be useful in monitoring diabetes, which is a “significant risk factor for heart disease,” Whyte stated, in addition to a coronary calcium rating to find out risk.
People with signs or vital risk factors can verify for coronary heart rhythm abnormalities by means of an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), experts suggest.
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It’s “vital to have a main care clinician who is aware of you nicely and might help decide the necessity for additional analysis,” Rosen added.
“Develop a trusting, longitudinal relationship with a primary care clinician,” she advisable. “This is the time to be a ‘good’ patient. Ask questions about prevention strategies and cardiovascular testing that is appropriate for you.”
Strategies to maintain the center pleased
The majority of CVD is preventable by means of way of life adjustments, heightened consciousness and training, Rosen stated — which implies that “your heart health is in your hands.”
“Know your numbers — cholesterol, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar — as all are important risk factors that can be modified,” she stated.
Health factors corresponding to weight problems, smoking and a sedentary way of life improve coronary heart illness risk, experts stated. (iStock)
For day-to-day repairs, Whyte listed a number of meals which might be identified to advertise a wholesome coronary heart.
These embody vegatables and fruits which might be wealthy in nutritional vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants; complete grains for fiber and vitamins; lean protein like fish and poultry; nuts and seeds for wholesome fat; legumes for fiber and protein; and occasional and tea for antioxidants.
Limiting sugary meals and drinks will assist stop weight problems and diabetes.
Among the meals to keep away from are saturated and trans fat, that are present in crimson meat, butter, cheese and processed meals, experts stated.
Steering away from extra salt will even assist keep away from hypertension — whereas limiting sugary meals and drinks will assist stop weight problems and diabetes.
Processed and junk meals are “generally high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt” and subsequently also needs to be prevented, Whyte added.
Saturated and trans fat present in crimson meat, butter, cheese and processed meals needs to be prevented to advertise coronary heart health, Whyte stated. (iStock)
Women over age 50 ought to partake in common bodily exercise, which includes a minimum of 150 minutes of average cardio exercise or 75 minutes of “vigorous activity” every week, he advisable.
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“Start anywhere,” he suggested. Do “10 [minutes] a day or 4,000 steps a day … and slowly increase. Don’t get discouraged thinking you can’t do 150 [minutes].”
Maintaining a wholesome weight by means of a balanced food plan and train will even assist keep off coronary heart issues, in addition to quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and managing stress.
It’s essential for women over age 50 to prioritize their sleep and stress administration, one professional informed Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Whyte instructed women ought to strive stress-reducing methods corresponding to mindfulness, yoga or deep respiration, and also needs to get enough sleep.
“Aim for seven to nine hours per night, as poor sleep can cause chronic inflammation,” he stated.
Rosen agreed that whereas being aware of every day way of life selections like maintaining a healthy diet meals and exercising is vital, it is also essential for women over 50 to prioritize their sleep and stress administration.
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“Speak to your clinician to learn of the advances that have been made to assist in adhering to a healthy lifestyle,” she stated.
“For instance, we are able to handle points with sleep issues higher than ever earlier than. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/health.
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