Heart Disease and You

As many of you know, I am a cardiac nurse so heart disease is one of my favorite subjects. Heart disease is the single most preventable cause of death. Lifestyle factors play a key role in heart disease. Things like smoking, failing to get regular exercise, and eating a non-healthy diet can significantly increase your risk of heart disease. Some of us are plagued by our genes so it is very important that we take these measures to help reduce our chances of heart disease. What many women dont know is that menopause increases your risk of heart disease. Our symptoms are also different than the classical signs of a heart attack which include: chest pain or pressure, pain down the left arm, jaw pain and shortness of breath. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. And as women, we usually are too busy taking care of everyone else and not ourselves so it is important we listen to our bodies and seek medical attention.

We must take those preventative measures to have a healthier heart. Eating properly, getting rid of unhealthy habits (smoking), exercising (30 min of cardio exercise daily is good) and managing other disease processes that increase the risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Remember only you can make the change and there is no better time than the present!

All comments are greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!