By: Donna Burley, RN CM
By: Martha Massey RN, BSN, CCM
According to the American Heart Association heart problems are not just a man ' s disease. Heart related illness and disease is the number one killer of women claiming half a million lives a year. We want to give you some valuable, interesting, and hopefully helpful information to assist in changing these dismal statistics.
Women ' s symptoms of a heart attack can differ from a man. Women are more likely to experience fatigue, nausea, indigestion, and shoulder aches. Signs of a heart attack could also include shortness of breath, fainting, cold sweats, lightheadedness, chest pain, clammy skin or difficulty sleeping. If these symptoms persist for more than 5 minutes or worsen, and you are unsure of the cause you should call 911. Early treatment within the first hour can reduce the risk of death by 50 %. The above information is also from the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular prevention helps doctors / providers offer the best treatment. We should all start with a provider / patient conversation. The best treatment is focused on 4 important areas.
1. Obesity- Living with obesity increases the risk of developing heart disease that potentially can lead to life changing events such as heart attack and stroke. Obesity is determined by Body Mass Index or BMI.: Calculated by the National Institutes of Health( NIH) Normal- 18.5-29.9 Overweight-25-29.9 Obesity- 30- 39.9 Extreme obesity- 40 and over You should work with your health care provider to help manage your weight and reduce your risk factor for heart disease by creating a successful plan.
2. Cholesterol- Cholesterol comes from the food that you eat. Knowing your cholesterol numbers can lower the risks of heart disease, heart attack and stroke as well. The American Heart Association Guidelines gives numbers for best cholesterol as follows. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 for adults. There are also good and bad components of the total. LDL, or " good " cholesterol should be less than 100 in both men and women. HDL or " bad " cholesterol should be greater than 40 in men and greater than 50 in women. Cholesterol is monitored by lab work and follow up with your health care provider again is of upmost importance.
3. Lifestyle- Change is most important to promote good heart health. Exercise at least 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes can make a huge impact. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting sodium intake will help you reach healthy heart goals tremendously. Not smoking, or quitting smoking will also decrease your risk significantly. Following your healthy lifestyle plan is not going to be easy at first, but over time it becomes just that, your style of life.
4. Assessment of risk- There are multiple ways to assess risks for heart disease that should start with your provider. Getting regular blood pressure screenings is the best start. According to the American Heart Association guidelines a Normal Blood Pressure reading is less than 120 / 80, Hypertension is any number greater than 130 / 80. These numbers are not always the standard for everyone. Each person ' s risk and treatment plan are personalized by their provider with them.
Heart disease is not always preventable. There are genetic and family history factors that may also increase your risks. This should be shared with your provider to help with your plan. Prayerfully this information will help give you knowledge to live your best heart healthy life possible.
In His Service, Lovingly Donna and Martha
Donna Burley RN, CM. As a Registered Nurse with 38 years of experience in caring for patients, managing care teams, giving comfort and education to dying Hospice patients and families, and participating in my church’ s Health and Wellness Ministry I have always been a servant at heart. I believe in the Word of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20“ 19-Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own. 20-For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body”
Martha Massey RN, BSN, CCM. I am a mother, wife, grandmother, and nurse. I have been a nurse for 39 years. As a professional nurse, caring for others has been my life ' s passion. I enjoy teaching people how to care for themselves. I am a firm believer that a healthy body is next to Goliness. As in Proverbs 16:24, " A healthy body is a blessing from the Lord and a sound mind is a gift from Him."
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