Heart Questions Every Woman Should Ask

An article from the Northfield News

By: Norma Thiessen, MD
Minneapolis Heart Institute®

Heart Questions Every Woman Should Ask

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for American women. More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death, including breast cancer. Whereas men are experiencing a decline in deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, the number of deaths in women is increasing.

Unfortunately, most women do not recognize their risk for cardiovascular disease. A recent survey published by the American Heart Association found more than 50 percent of American women did not know heart disease was the number one killer of women, and only 13 percent of these women actually ranked heart disease as their own greatest personal health threat.

Questions every woman should ask:

• What does heart disease look like in women?
• What are my risk factors for heart disease?
• What can I do to reduce my risk for heart disease?

What Does Heart Disease Look Like in Women?

A woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease increases significantly with age.

• Women younger than 65 years of age are more than twice as likely to die from a heart attack as men the same age.
• A woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease grows from less than 5% in her early 20s, to 79% when she is 75 or older.

The warning signs of an impending heart attack or stroke include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, chest (or upper body) discomfort, weakness or dizziness. During an acute heart attack, the symptoms are frequently the same.

Am I at Risk for Heart Disease?

Understanding your risk factors and an early screening can help you fight heart disease before it develops. There are multiple risk factors for heart disease, six of which can be prevented, controlled or treated.

• High blood pressure: This is often known as the “silent killer” because it has no obvious symptoms. By age 55, high blood pressure is more common in women than in men.
• High cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance made in your body. If there is too much, it can cause build up and blockages in your blood vessels. This can lead to impaired circulation causing a heart attack or stroke. It is important to know your entire lipid panel, including your good and bad cholesterol as you try to decrease your risk of heart disease.
• Diabetes mellitus: Women who have diabetes are three- to seven times more likely to die from coronary heart disease. A simple blood test can help determine if you have diabetes.
• Smoking: Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of coronary heart disease. As few as one to four cigarettes per day increases a risk of heart attack. There is an increased risk for women who smoke and use oral contraceptives.
• Physical Inactivity: Inactivity is more common among women than men. Consistent activity can help reduce your risk of heart disease by preventing or controlling high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.
• Obesity and Overweight: Central obesity (around your waist) increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and worsening outcome. Even if you have no other risk factors, extra weight increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Risk Factors You Cannot Change

• Age: A woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease increases with age
• Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with a history of cardiac disease, particularly at a young age, you are at increased risk.

What Can I Do About Heart Disease?

Start by noting your personal risks for heart disease and make lifestyle changes – many of which may result in immediate positive effects:

Cigarette smoking

• Stop smoking
• Avoid second hand smoke

Physical activity

• 30 minutes a day at a moderate intensity

Heart healthy diet

• Variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, protein low in saturated fats (lean meats, poultry, plant sources), low fat dairy
• Saturated fats <10% of calories
• Cholesterol <300 mg/d
• Limit intake of trans fatty acids

Weight management

• Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m2
• Waist circumference <35 inches

Talk to your doctor for more details about specific things you can do based on your physical condition.

The Minneapolis Heart Institute® and Abbott Northwestern Hospital have teamed up to offer the Women’s Heart Health Program, a service designed specifically to meet the unique cardiovascular needs of women.

A visit to the Women’s Heart Health Program provides an assessment that includes your health history, risk screening, blood tests and education.

Providers work with you to develop an individualized plan that may include a referral to a dietitian and an exercise physiologist is available for a retail cost.

To find out more about the Women’s Heart Health Program or to schedule an appointment, please call 612-863-3900.

Norma Thiessen, M.D., is a cardiologist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute® and works with the Women's Heart Health Program.