Healthtips

Most women are well aware of the risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, and take annual preventive action against these potentially life threatening diseases by scheduling annual check-ups, mammograms and pap smears. However, when it comes to fighting coronary artery disease, the number one killer of women in the United of States, they are usually not as proactive, simply because they are unaware of the serious risk it presents. The statistics relating to cardiovascular diseases, defined as coronary heart disease, stroke and poor circulation, are quite frightening.

Cardiovascular disease death rates are four times higher in white women and six times higher in black women than the death rates from breast cancer. One in ten American women ages 45 to 64 has some form of heart disease, and by age 65, that increases to one in five. Death rates from heart attacks and coronary artery bypass graft surgery are about 50% higher in women than men. There is some good news in all these numbers however – preventive measures and treatment appear to be equally effective in men and women. However, the treatment rate for risk factors in women tends to be lower than in men.

It is essential for women to understand that there are multiple factors which increase their risks of developing cardiovascular disease and that their treatment is just as important as that provided to men. Some major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are controllable; these include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes and stress. Others are uncontrollable such as gender and family history. Having several risk factors is particularly troublesome, as they don’t simply add their effects; they actually multiply the potential risks.

Fortunately, the fact that so many of these risk factors are controllable means that women can empower themselves to lessen the chances that they will be stricken by this deadly disease. There are fairly straightforward steps they can take, although somewhat challenging, to accomplish without support. Quitting smoking is crucial. So is lowering blood pressure. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because most people who have it do not feel sick. It can be controlled with regular physical activity, cutting down on alcohol, table salt and losing excess weight. Diabetes is often called a “women’s disease” because after age 45, about twice as many women as men develop this serious disease that raises the risk of coronary heart disease about three times higher in diabetic women. Good diabetic control can be achieved in some individuals by losing excess weight, following a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise. Last but not least, adequate cholesterol management has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events.

Detailed medical history and complete physical examination are very important, however diagnostic tests are usually needed to confirm the presence and/or assess the severity of coronary heart disease. The most commonly prescribed tests include electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, treadmill exercise test, exercise echo, nuclear stress test, and coronary angiography. If you think that you are at risk for heart disease, you should be concerned, and take action. Your doctor will advise you if you need any further testing, help you plan lifestyle changes, prescribe medications that may be appropriate for your care, or refer you for formal cardiology consultation where you will see a specialist devoted to treating patients with cardiovascular disease.