Women, Be Serious About Heart Disease

with Robert Huxley, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: Nov. 1, 2005

If you are a woman, you should be aware that you are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just as men are, according to Robert Huxley, M.D., an interventional cardiologist for Columbia St. Mary’s.

Studies show that American women today are four to six times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer and that they typically develop heart problems seven or eight years later in life than men. They are also less likely to survive heart attacks than men.

“Women are two times more likely to die from heart disease than men,” Dr. Huxley said. “But, women need to know that mortality from heart disease can be preventable.”

Robert Huxley, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist, Columbia St. Mary’s "Women are two times more likely to die from heart disease than men. But, women need to know that mortality from heart disease can be preventable."

Unfortunately, many women still don’t take heart disease seriously. The facts, however, are these: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over the age of 65. Six million American women today have a history of heart attacks or heart disease, and about 500,000 of them die of heart disease each year, compared to 43,000 deaths attributed to breast cancer, Dr. Huxley said.

Are you at risk?
For both genders, it’s important to know the risk factors that contribute to heart disease. The biggest factors are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, excessive weight, family history and age.

“To tip the scales in their favor, women should take a look at their lifestyle, family history and their general health,” Dr. Huxley said. Then they should discuss these with their doctors who can assess their risk and help them avoid potential problems.

“They should stop smoking, control their blood pressure, control or prevent diabetes, watch their weight, and learn their cholesterol levels.”

Dr. Huxley suggests these tips for better heart health:

• Know your family history. A father or brother who had heart disease before age 55, or a sister or mother who contracted the disease before age 65, are warning signs of possible heart disease. Be sure to let your doctor know about these facts in your family history.
• Exercise regularly. Swimming, jogging, walking briskly or biking outdoors can help your heart. Fitness equipment for indoor exercising can include stationary bicycles and treadmills. Aerobic exercise lasting at least 30 to 60 minutes, four to six times a week is advised, according to Dr. Huxley. “But before starting an exercise program, be sure to consult your doctor,” he said.
• Treat high blood pressure. Your blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80. If it’s higher, treating it can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Losing weight, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet are all ways to help control blood pressure. Reducing the amount of salt in the diet also can help. But if these actions don’t lower blood pressure, medication may be prescribed.
• Stop smoking and you can lower your risk of heart attack by one-third within two years, according to experts. Women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk even more.
• Control your weight. This is important because excessive pounds can put a strain on your heart and arteries and put you at risk for other health problems, especially heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Losing weight can usually be accomplished by exercise and maintaining a low-fat diet. If you are overweight, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor about a safe way to lower your weight.
• Eat a low-fat diet. Cut your intake of fat calories to 30 percent or less of the total calories you eat during a day. Avoid saturated fat that is found in foods such as meats and coconut oil.
• Know your lipid and cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride (blood fat) levels. If you don’t, it’s important to ask your doctor to check them for you. According to American Heart Association guidelines, total cholesterol should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood and triglyceride levels should be less than 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Proper diet is helpful in lowering high cholesterol levels, but some individuals may need to take medication along with diet and exercise.
• If you are a diabetic, it’s vital to control this disease. Know your fasting glucose levels. Regular exercise, weight control, a low-fat diet and regular visits to your doctor are necessary. If your doctor prescribes medication for diabetes, you must take it precisely as he or she says.
• Don’t ignore chest pains. Be sure to see your doctor if you notice pains in your chest, shoulder, neck or jaw. Be sure to notify your doctor if you suffer from shortness of breath or sudden nausea.

Robert L. Huxley, M.D.
Wisconsin Cardiovascular Group
13133 North Port Washington Road, #202
Mequon, WI 53097
262-243-5850

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