Women and Nutrition - Putting the Brakes on Heart Disease By Kim Green-Spangler
According to the American Heart Association's 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update, heart disease and stroke is the leading killer of American women and continues to rise. Over 62% of all congestive heart failure occurs in women. Startling facts, especially when so much focus has been on female related cancers. The truth is that lifestyle choices, screening, and medical treatment all play roles in these statistics.
A smoker risks the possibility of a heart attack almost 20 years earlier than a non-smoker. If oral contraceptives are used, there is an increased risk for high blood pressure, especially if excessive weight is a factor. America's current diabetes epidemic can be directly related to the increasing number of overweight men, women and children. Statistics show that 23% of White women, 38% of Black women and 36% of Hispanic women are obese. According to the American Heart Association, women with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to suffer heart attacks. These are statistics that most women are not aware of. So many who are predisposed for heart disease do not know they are at risk so they continue with their current lifestyles.
Heart disease used to be the leading cause of death amongst males, but things have changed dramatically over the last 30 years. Women do not fair as well after heart attacks as men. 38% of females compared to 25% of men die within the first year after a heart attack, 35% of women and only 18% of men have another heart attack in six years, after a heart attack 46% of women and 22% of men will be disabled with heart failure within six years, and women are twice as likely as men to die after by-pass surgery. Although the number of women who die of heart disease outnumber men women receive less procedures. Only 33% of stent, by-pass surgeries and angioplasties are performed on women. Only 28% of implants and 36% of open heart surgeries are performed on women. The most startling fact of all is that only 25% of the participants in heart-related research are women.
Prevention seems to be the logical solution for the rise in heart disease for women. With diet, exercise and lifestyle choices being the tools necessary to implement changes. Obesity is the culprit to a myriad of health problems. What should be eaten and what is eaten are often completely polar opposites. This said, make an appointment with a doctor and a nutritionist and work on devising a healthy eating plan. Focus on getting the body moving. Think of the body as a car. When a car sits for too long, its parts begin to rust, malfunction and will eventually cease-up. The body primarily works the same way. Incorporate daily exercise into the routine. It doesn't have to be strictly outdoors, indoors, a group activity, etc. It can be anything and everything that you want it to be - just do it. Cleaning, vacuuming, mowing, raking, etc are all exercise. Add music to the mix and stamina increases! Lifestyle changes are the big part. If smoking is a vice, use whatever tools necessary to quit. Eliminate unhealthy food from the house, car, desk drawer etc. Develop a routine for regular exercise and get family and friends involved for companionship and support. It won't be easy, you probably will falter, but it can be accomplished with time and a serious commitment.
March is National Nutrition Month. If you believe that you're at risk for heart disease go see your doctor. He/she can have blood work performed which will help determine your risk and you can develop a plan. Between nutritional choices, lifestyle changes like reduced stress and more exercise, and perhaps even the need for prescription medicine, susceptibility for heart disease can be reduced or even eliminated. The key is to be proactive and not reactive. According to the statistics women will often not get a second chance after their first heart attack. Make that appointment with your doctor today.
