Heart Health for Women

New Jersey Cardiology Services

Heart disease is typically thought of as a concern for men, but the truth is that it is the number one cause of death for men and women alike. Over one-third of women who die in the U.S. are killed by heart disease. In actuality, elder women have higher heart disease death rates then elder men, and more women die of heart disease each year than breast cancer.

One reason heart disease is such a prevalent killer is that so few people realize they have it as it rarely has accompanying symptoms. The good news is, by staying on top of your heart health you can greatly reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Improving Heart Health

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart health. Our cardiology team can help you create a suitable plan after assessing your condition and risk factors. You may want to consider some of the following options:

• Weight management – Rather than losing weight, you should focus on managing weight. It’s true that obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, but ideal weight levels differ from person to person based on body type and medical history. Ask a doctor what your ideal weight goals would be for a healthier heart.

• Exercise – Physical activity is great for your health overall. Most cardiologists recommend a minimum 30 minutes of moderate physical activity four to five days a week. If you don’t have time for a full 30 minutes, separating it into to 10 or 15 minute bursts can also work.
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure – Cutting out cholesterol and fats goes a long way in keeping your heart and arteries healthy. Try to reduce consumption of dairy products and red meats. You may also want to start checking sodium levels on nutrition labels. High sodium intake increases blood pressure. The American heart Association recommends no more than 2.300 milligrams of sodium per day.
• Healthy diet alternatives – Cholesterol is not all bad. LDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) can help reduce your risk of heart disease. High fiber foods such as whole-grain bread are full of LDL cholesterol. Foods high in omega-3’s, such as salmon, are another good choice. Three cups of vegetables and 2 cups of vegetables per day are also recommended to lower blood pressure.
• Stop smoking – The dangers of smoking are common knowledge these days. In addition to lung disease, smoking can also raise your blood pressure and shrink the coronary arteries. Smoking can also make the lining of blood vessels stickier, making it easier for blood clots to form. If you have numerous heart disease risk factors, you should seriously consider joining a smoking cessation program.

Trying to make these changes on your own can feel overwhelming. Contact us today, and our staff can help you create a structured heart health treatment plan to keep your blood pumping smoothly for years to come.