THE MUST KNOW 5 H'S OF HEART DISEASE!
All women face the threat of Heart Disease.
Becoming aware of symptoms and risks unique to women, as well as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising, can help protect you.
Gone are those days when heart disease was considered a disease in men, heart disease is the most common cause of death for both women and men in the United States.
HERE ARE THE 5 H’S (HISTORY) YOU MUST BE AWARE OF IN ORDER TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE:
History of Hypertension, Diabetes and Smoking: “High blood pressure (HBP) is considered a silent killer. It sneaks up on you, carries no symptoms and can put you at risk for heart disease. It can also feel like it came out of nowhere,. Women with diabetes are at greater risk of heart disease than are men with diabetes. In women, smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than it is in men.”
Family History: “Family members share genes, behaviors, lifestyles, and environments that can influence their health and their risk for disease. Heart disease can run in a family, and your risk for heart disease can increase based on your age, and your race, or ethnicity.”
Blood work History (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides): “When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries, causing a process called atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease. There are two forms of cholesterol that many people are familiar with: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol.) These are the form in which cholesterol travels in the blood. LDL is the main source of artery-clogging plaque. HDL actually works to clear cholesterol from the blood.”
Sleep History: “Getting good sleep isn’t just important for your energy levels—it is critical for your heart health, too. Adults who sleep less than 7 hours each night are more likely to say they have had health problems, including heart attack, asthma, and depression. They also have increase risks for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.”
Diet/Exercise History: “A healthy diet and regular exercise can lower your risk of heart disease. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels. For adults, the Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or bicycling, every week.”
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REFERENCES:
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure-and-heart-disease
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20046167
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/family_history.htm
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-lower-cholesterol-risk#1