WHAT’S UP DOC?
and heart health. But there are some things we do know. Heart disease is themost common cause of death for both women andmen, killing about 647,000 Americans each year. Naturally occurring estrogen seems to have some benefits to heart health, so whilemenmay have cardiovascular health issues as early as 45, women don’t usually start to have issues until about 55, after they’ve gone through menopause. However, women shouldn’t take estrogen inmenopause just to prevent heart disease. There are risks associated with taking estrogen medication, so only take it if your doctor recommends it for other reasons. Youmay have heard that heart attack symptoms are di erent for men and women. This is true to some extent, but more symptoms are the same than are di erent.When having a heart attack, chest pain or discomfort is themost common symptom for bothmen and women. But women are somewhat more likely thanmen to experience other symptoms, like discomfort elsewhere in the upper body, shortness of breath, nausea or lightheadedness.Women are alsomore likely thanmen to have a heart
get regular physical activity. Don’t worry about getting your heart rate way up. In fact, if you have high blood pressure or haven’t been very physically active, getting your heart rate up too quickly can put you at risk for a heart attack. If you haven’t been active, a great way to start is by walking for 10minutes a day, whether that means up and down the hall of your apartment building or around the block. Gradually build up to 20 or 30minutes a day. Diet is also important. Everyone should eat lots of fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Everyone should avoid trans fats like partially hydrogenated oils found in some processed foods, instead focusing on good fats like olive oil, nuts and avocados.When it comes to other dietary practices, talk to your doctor or nutritionist. For instance, if you have high blood pressure it may be important for you to avoid salt, but some people are more likely to eat healthy vegetables if they’re seasoned with a little salt. Some peoplemay need to avoid high-fat foods like ice cream, but for other people who are underweight or have swallowing problems, ice creammay be a good way for them to get important protein, fat and calories. So it’s important to talk to your doctor or nutritionist about what dietary tradeo smay make sense for you. Healthy habits are important for every one, but they’re especially key for you if you have health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression or anxiety. Good health practices are also essential for you if you have a family history of heart disease.
attack as a result of emotional stress, particularly if they’ve already had one heart attack and are at risk for another. Q: What are themost important things I can do formy heart health? A: If your doctor has prescribedmedication to control high blood pressure or high cholesterol, be sure to take it. This will dramatically reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
If you currently smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart health and overall health is to quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, the best thing you can do is
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MEDICA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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