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Heart Health

in New York, New York

Although heart disease has traditionally been thought of as a man’s disease, it regularly effects both men and women equally. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of American women, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it just as you would certain types of cancer. Fortunately, you can improve your heart’s health and decrease your risk of heart conditions at any age with the help of your gynecologist.

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What is Heart Health?

Heart health means keeping your body healthy in order to help your heart effectively pump blood where it’s needed. Heart conditions are often caused by plaque buildup in the veins, stress on the heart, and blood clots. Although some congenital factors can cause poor heart health, many women experience heart problems because of lifestyle factors.

Poor Diet

A diet that is high in cholesterol is often the biggest cause of heart attacks in both men and women. Additionally, foods high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars can contribute to poor heart health. Along with the quality of your food, eating too much and being overweight can increase your risk of several heart conditions.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Getting enough activity each day is integral to making sure your heart stays healthy and strong. For most women, however, it can be difficult to get enough activity to lower your risks, especially if you work an inactive job. As you age, it can be more difficult to become active, meaning it’s important to remain active over your lifetime.

Stress

Chronic stress can be detrimental to your heart’s health because it exposes your body to unhealthy levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Stress can also change the way in which your blood clots, leading to a higher risk of heart attack. If you are regularly exposed to stressful environments, it can take a toll on your long-term health.

Smoking and Alcohol Use

Tobacco and alcohol both have similar effects on your heart’s health. However, any amount of smoking can have a greater negative effect on your heart health than any amount of drinking. Women can experience more negative effects from drinking the same amount as men, so it’s important to limit the number of drinks you have.

Why is Heart Health Important?

There are a few factors that mean heart health affects women differently. The first is the impact of estrogen— it’s thought that estrogen plays an important part in maintaining the health of your organs and tissues throughout your premenopausal life. Once estrogen begins to decline with menopause, the risk of heart disease can go up. Additionally, women are less likely to recover from a heart attack than men and even experience different symptoms which are not commonly known.

What Steps Can I Take?

The most important steps you can take to optimize your heart’s health are lifestyle changes like making sure you get the right nutrients and enough exercise each week. A heart-healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein can help maintain your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar over time. Additionally, you should get at least thirty minutes of moderate activity (enough to get your heart pumping) each day.

You should also assess your lifestyle and make changes to your smoking habits (if any) and limit yourself to one drink per day. It’s also important to speak with your gynecologist about your heart disease numbers like your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Your gynecologist can discuss what levels you should aim for by making the right lifestyle changes.

Learn More on the Healthful Woman Podcast

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It’s never too early to start helping out your heart. Our expert team can help you make the right steps to lower your risks and keep your heart healthy for the long term. To meet with our gynecologists, we invite you to schedule an appointment by calling or filling out our online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do most heart attacks occur?

Heart attacks in women are most common at age 55 or older.

Can doctors tell if you had a heart attack?

Doctors can determine whether you have had a heart attack through tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or echocardiogram.

Can you have a heart attack while on blood pressure medication?

Yes, heart attacks may still occur while on blood pressure medication. Some studies have even shown that blood pressure medications may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Does your body warn you before a heart attack?

Early symptoms before a heart attack may include chest pain, heart palpitations, cold sweats, or shortness of breath. Women may also feel fatigue, back pain, abdominal pain, and decreased stamina. These symptoms can occur months before a heart attack.

How is heart disease diagnosed in a woman?

Heart disease is diagnosed by a physician who will review the patient's symptoms, review blood tests (primarily to measure cholesterol and triglycerides), and potentially order other tests such as an EKG or a stress test. Common heart disease symptoms in women include chest pain, upper back pain, nausea, pain in the neck, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Why is heart health important?

Heart health is crucial because the heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. Poor heart health can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, which can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life.

What are the best ways to prevent heart disease?

Preventing heart disease includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes most days of the week), avoiding smoking, managing stress, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are also essential to track heart health.

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. Age, gender, and race can also play a role in your risk.

How can I tell if I’m at risk for heart disease?

Many people with heart disease have no obvious symptoms until the disease is serious. Regular check-ups and screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels can help determine if you're at risk. Family history and lifestyle habits also contribute to your overall risk level.

When should I see my primary care provider about heart health?

You should see your primary care provider regularly for annual check-ups, particularly if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

When is it necessary to see a cardiologist?

If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, experience unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath, or if your primary care provider refers you for further investigation, seeing a cardiologist is appropriate. They specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions and can offer specialized care, especially for complex or chronic issues.

How often should I have my cholesterol and blood pressure checked?

It’s recommended to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. For cholesterol, adults aged 20 or older should have their levels checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if they have risk factors for heart disease. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing.

What lifestyle changes can I make to maintain a healthy heart?

Key lifestyle changes include adopting a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats and sodium), getting regular physical activity, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress. These changes help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall well-being.

How can I manage stress to protect my heart?

Stress management is vital for heart health. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress. Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a strong social support network can also alleviate stress and promote heart health.

What are the warning signs that I need to see a cardiologist immediately?

Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience symptoms such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeats, or swelling in your legs and ankles. These could indicate a serious heart issue, such as a heart attack or heart failure, and require prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.

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Sources

https://www.womenshealth.gov/heart-disease-and-stroke/heart-disease

“I was impressed with how great the care of the staff at Carnegie Women’s Health, especially the excellent care Dr. Lam gave me. She was not only professional but personable. She took great care to make sure I was comfortable and listened to everything I said. She is very knowledgeable and also made sure to answer all of my questions and my concerns. I felt very comfortable and safe in her care. I am incredibly happy to have found such a great doctor.”

-Sonia V.
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