Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Fortunately, the medical community has been paying attention to women and heart disease. We often experience different symptoms of the same diseases men have, and we respond to things differently than men do.

Here are some key differences in heart disease between women and men—and what you can do to be healthy.

• Women’s heart health is more affected by chronic stress than men’s is. See our December issue for helping with chronic stress.
• Although one drink of red wine a day is helpful to both men and women, women who drink more are at greater risk for heart disease. If you drink more than one glass a day, consider cutting back on your alcohol consumption.
• Women experience different levels of benefits from medications such as statins and aspirin. Ask your doctor about what recent research says is best for you.
• We know that exercise is good for everyone, but how much is right? Exercise until your heart hits its peak rate. New research shows that the peak heart rate for women is 206 minus 88% of your age. (This is a different formula than the one that works for men.)

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The National Women’s Health Information Center lists 7 symptoms of heart attacks in women. If you experience any of these for more than five minutes, call 911. If you experience one of these symptoms for less than five minutes, call your doctor.

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Unusual upper body discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Unusual or unexplained fatigue
• Light-headedness or sudden dizziness
• Unexplained nausea
   

Menopause is a time of transition, so it's important to keep the lines of communication open with the people in your life. For starters, talking about what you're going through can create a huge sense of relief. Plus, it can give your friends, family, and doctor some insight about how to best support you. Tell your doctor about any symptoms you may be having so that he or she can recommend the best course of treatment to manage them. Together you can create a partnership that ensures you are making decisions that help you reach your treatment goals. If you're thinking about managing your menopause symptoms with estrogen therapy, your doctor can help you navigate through the risks and benefits of each option.

Estrogen therapy may be taken orally, transdermally (through the skin), or vaginally to treat your symptoms associated with menopause. Certain therapies are available in multiple dosage strengths to allow physicians to customize treatment for each patient. The type that's right for you will depend upon your medical history, the type of symptoms you have, and the severity of those symptoms, as well as your personal preferences and treatment goals.

Your options may include patches, pills, gels, and creams. Patches are applied once or twice weekly, pills are taken daily by mouth, and gels and creams are applied to the skin once daily. The patch is a convenient option for many active women. It's important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each type of estrogen therapy.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about what kind of estrogen therapy may suit your symptom relief needs and preferences. The dose and length of estrogen therapy is based on your individual symptoms, health risks, and treatment goals.

Most of us know the risk factors for heart disease:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Being overweight
• Not exercising
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stress

Make some changes in your life to keep your heart healthy and able to love those around you.

1. Add slivered almonds to your breakfast cereal.
2. Walk.
3. Quit smoking.
4. Avoid junk food.
5. Eat snacks that are high in fiber and protein.
6. Increase dietary fiber to 10-25 grams a day with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dried beans and peas.
7. Twice a week, consume fish that are high in Omega-3 fats.
8. Add de-stress breaks throughout your day.
    

We asked our members how they stay heart-healthy.  Here's what they had to say:

• I have cut my calorie intake almost in half and I am slowly getting back into my exercise routine. Since I am not eating as much food as I used to I make sure that the calories I do eat are quality calories. I have cut out a lot of junk and I feel much better for it.--BV
• I've cut most carbs...and no more iron pills....I'm finally starting to exercise.....and I take menopause vitamins.--TL
• I eat a healthy diet as my husband is on a special diet. We do eat red meat, but mainly fish and chicken, veggies & salads most weeks. I don't count calories-I never have & don't believe in it.--MAW
• Swimming and yoga.--VDB
• I count my carbs, eat more fruit than I used to and walk 4-5 times a week. I've lost 78lbs this past year and feel so much better!! : )--KM
• I eat only when I am hungry. I eat only the amount I want! I do not listen to people tell me you did not eat or anything like that... I am a big girl and I listen to my body. I also always have water with me.--LDD
• I've started taking fish oil a few times each week.--KK
• I found I have high cholesterol, so I'm trying to eat oatmeal for breakfast most days. When I'm really feeling healthy, I even add some ground flaxseed or wheat germ to the bowl!--CT

Do you do any exercise aimed at helping you stay heart-healthy? Are there changes you've made in how you eat--by cutting something out or adding it in? Share what do you to have a healthy heart!

Join the Discussion

More Discussions to join about heart health and making healthy choices:

Weight GAIN!!

Anyone else counting walking steps?

Diabetes and HRT

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