Monday, March 2, 2009

Warning! Heart Disease is more Deadly for Women than for Men!

By Jenny Rantoul

Men and women both can develop common heart problems. But now we come to find out that heart disease in women is much different than that in me.

Both men and women need to be concerned about and must take good care of their hearts. Preventive tactics against heart disease can be equally effective for both men and women if undertaken early enough.

This premise may come as a shock to many people. It seems it has always been taught that common heart problems are common mostly in men. That's why so much research has had such a male influence. Now, however, we find this is not true for women somewhere around age 65 and older.

Men tend to have heart disease seven or eight years earlier than women but after the age of sixty-five the risk is roughly even. According to a study, heart disease is the number killer of women of 65 or more of age. In addition, even with all types of cancer combined, American women are four to six times more likely to die of heart disease than cancer.

Women, generally, are much more aware of their own health than men are of theirs. It is odd then, that women are reportedly slower to recognize heart disease symptoms in themselves. This in turn means they seek treatment later in the progression of their disease. Women also have smaller blood vessels than men. All of this leads to the disturbing fact that if a woman has a heart attack, she is much more likely to die from it than a male victim. Researchers are still working out all the reasons this is true.

Unfortunately, we can not change our genes. It is important to always make sure that your doctor has an accurate family history, especially for women. But there are a number of things that women can control in order to lower the risk of heart disease. Women, for example, should not smoke tobacco especially if on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

Proper diet should lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but if it doesn't, your doctor may prescribe a medication. Discuss it thoroughly and follow your doctor's advice. Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check is really important.

A healthy heart makes for a healthy body. In order to help prevent heart disease, you should eat healthy, wholesome foods and exercise regularly. If you are overweight, you not only risk heart problems and strokes, but diseases such as diabetes may be in the cards as well.

Aerobic exercises should be done a minimum of 20 minutes per day at least three times a week. Low impact exercises such as walking, biking or swimming will break you into a sweat and increase your heart rate. This is great for your heart and your overall health! - 15683

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