Heart disease is often thought of as a man’s disease, but statistics from the Centers from Disease Control show it’s an equal-opportunity issue in the United States. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and accounts for about one in every four female deaths. Sixty-four percent – almost two-thirds – of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. Women can lower their risk with these simple strategies:
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. And quit now!
- Build your diet around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy. Avoid saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
- Exercise regularly, for a total of 150 minutes each week.
- Limit alcohol use to no more than one drink a day. If you’re pregnant, don’t drink at all.
- Know your family history of heart disease and stroke. While you can’t change it, you can be extra-vigilant if need be.
- Track your cholesterol and blood pressure. Women with heart disease often experience no symptoms, so knowing these numbers is especially important.
Be proactive about your heart health: Make an appointment with a cardiologist if you experience any symptoms of heart disease.
To make an appointment in Flagstaff, call 928-773-2150.
To make an appointment in the Verde Valley, call 928-634-1331.