February is Heart Month, and in addition to heart-shaped cards and chocolates, that means focusing on heart health.
While many women are vigilant about issues such as breast cancer, many are unaware that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, surpassing all other illnesses.
Understanding the risk
“It’s important to understand that heart disease is the number one cause of death among women, more than anything else, and there’s a lot we can do to reduce heart disease,” stresses Dr. Adam Jonas, an internal medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Everett Medical Center.
“Chest pain is a classic symptom of a heart attack, but women’s symptoms often show up in other ways,” Dr. Jonas notes. While both men and women may have chest pain during a heart attack, women tend to also have symptoms beyond chest pain, including shortness of breath, nausea,vomiting, back pain, and jaw pain. Women are also more likely to think their heart attack symptoms are caused by anxiety or stress. All of these factors can cause women to wait longer to get treated.
Dr. Jonas stresses how important it is for women to talk with their clinicians about their heart health.
Preventive measures
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential.
“Not smoking is the number one priority for heart and cardiovascular health,” Dr. Jonas says . Highlighting the significance of diet and exercise, he adds , “Physical activity is key. Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week.” If you’re not used to exercise, it’s good to start gradually. “Walking is great for your heart,” Dr. Jonas says. “And a few minutes is better than nothing. Work your way up to reach that 150 minute total.”
Dr. Jonas recommends eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein. But you don’t have to obsess over doing everything exactly right all the time. The key is to engage in mostly healthy behaviors most of the time. “Heart-healthy living should be a sustainable lifestyle that we can adopt long-term,” he says.
Regular screenings
Early detection plays a vital role in prevention.
“Check cholesterol levels and check for diabetes. Identifying these problems early can reduce the risk of heart disease,” Dr. Jonas recommends.
He also recommends monitoring blood pressure, even beginning in your 20s.
Many people with high blood pressure feel no symptoms. Some people experience increased headaches and dizziness, but it is quite possible to have no physical indications. For most people, the only way to know if you have a blood pressure issue is to measure. Dr. Jonas recommends people check their blood pressure at least once a year. Make sure you ask for your blood pressure numbers when you visit your clinician, or measure yourself when you visit your local pharmacy.
Maintaining long-term health
The goal is to “maintain the best health possible at any age,” Dr. Jonas says, emphasizing that with proper care, many individuals can remain physically and mentally active well into their 90s.
Kaiser Permanente’s approach to cardiac care focuses on prevention. They monitor heart health metrics at nearly every appointment, enabling early detection and timely intervention.
Heart Month serves as a reminder for women to prioritize their cardiovascular health. By understanding the risks, adopting preventive measures, and engaging in regular screenings, women can significantly reduce their chances of heart disease.
For more information, visit kp.org. Follow Kaiser Permanente on Facebook or Instagram for more.
