Heart Disease In Women - A Wake Up Call

Julia suffered a mild heart attack at age 61. She did not realize that heart disease was the leading cause of death in women.

The scary thing for Julia was that, not only does heart disease include heart attacks, but also conditions related to the heart and arteries such as stroke, hypertension, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. The threat of stroke terrified Julia, as her mother suffered a major stroke at an early age.

For Julia, finding out that she actually had a heart attack was a shock. She did not have the classic symptoms commonly known with heart attacks, such as squeezing chest pain, sweating or pain in her neck or shoulders. In fact, Julia did not suspect her heart at all. She was aware of her fatigue, and she had indigestion, and felt more nauseated.

She just decided it was what she had to deal with because she was getting older. However, when she started to feel pain between her shoulder blades, and started to feel light headed, she decided to go to the doctor.

Usually, when she would get these symptoms, she would have some type of viral infection that was going around. They admitted her immediately, and she was treated and released after a few days. This proved to be a wake-up call for Julia.

Keeping it simple review on how to prevent heart disease in women over 40:

• No Smoking. (No lecture required)

• Cholesterol Check up. Under 200 is great.

• Blood Pressure Check up. Over 140/90 is considered High.

• BMI (body mass index) Check up. Multiply your current weight by 705 divided by your height in inches and then again divide your height in inches. 25-29 is overweight. Over 30 is Obese.

• The 30 minute daily exercise check up. (walking daily and strength training 2-3 times a week)

• Daily stress reduction check up. (find stress management techniques)

• A daily baby aspirin, if approved by your doctor.

As always, this article on heart disease in women is no substitute for the advice of a physician especially if you have an existing condition or receiving medical treatment or taking medications of any kind.

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