More women die of heart disease than any other cause of death. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Women can protect themselves by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. If you’re female, here are seven tips that will make a real difference in your heart health.
1. Learn the Symptoms of Heart Attack
Women experience heart attacks differently than men, describing their symptoms as:
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking is more likely to cause heart disease in women than men. If you’ve tried to quit and failed, seek help until you succeed.
3. Exercise
Walking vigorously for 30 minutes for five days of the week will reduce the risk of a heart attack in females by 50%.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
The heart has to work harder in an overweight person. A higher amount of belly fat is associated with a higher risk of insulin resistance. A general size rule is that women with waistlines greater than thirty-five inches are more at risk of this condition, which is associated with diabetes –another heart health risk.
5. Lower Your Stress
Take steps to manage stress levels. Exercise is a powerful way to reduce stress, along with meditation, gratitude lists, and journaling. Laughter and social connection are also important ways to manage stress.
6. Control Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can cause irreversible damage to your heart. Lifestyle changes can help, including healthy eating habits and exercise, as well as medications when needed.
Other Measures
Your family’s heart history, personal health numbers are also important to keep an eye on. Other tools may include aspirin therapy and diabetes testing if your doctor recommends it.
Support for Older Individuals
Greenwald & Gerke is focused on helping older individuals (and those who care for them) to find the resources and information they need at this stage of life. Call our team for a conversation about your needs today: (844) 782-9674.
