If you have diabetes, it’s critically important for you to monitor and control Diabetes creates a higher risk for women with coronary artery disease. …
Risk Factors That I Can Change
Cigarette and tobacco smoke
Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death
Smokers have two to four times the risk of nonsmokers Smoking is a
womans single biggest risk factor for a heart attack
HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
The risk of coronary heart disease rises as blood cholesterol levels
increase When other risk factors are present, this risk increases
even more Women need to take the initiatives for themselves and
for their family to eat healthier for a healthier heart
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure increases the hearts workload, causing the heart
to enlarge and weaken over time It also increases the risk of
stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure
When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood
cholesterol levels or diabetes the risk of heart attack or stroke
increases several times
PHYSICAL INACTIVITY
Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease
Regular,
moderate-to-vigorous exercise plays a significant role in
preventing heart and blood vessel disease Exercise can help control
blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity as well as help to lower blood
pressure in some people
OBESITY AND overweight
People who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart
disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors Obesity
is unhealthy because excess weight increases the strain on the heart
Its directly linked with coronary heart disease because it influences
blood pressure, blood cholesterols and triglyceride levels, and makes
diabetes more likely to develop Obesity is one of the major risk
factors for a heart attack
diabetes mellitus
Diabetes seriously increases the risk of developing cardiovascular
disease If you have diabetes, its critically important for you to
monitor and control any other risk factors you can Diabetes creates
a higher risk for women with coronary artery disease
Risk Factors That I Cannot Change
Increasing age
About four out of five people who die of coronary heart disease are
age 65 or older At
older ages, women who have heart attacks are
twice as likely as men are to die from them within a few weeks
Heredity including race
Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it
themselves African Americans have more severe hypertension than
Caucasians Consequently, making their risk of heart disease greater
1 Realize that Heart Disease is not a Mans Disease
Cardiovascular disease is not just a mans problem In fact, heart
disease is a bigger threat to women, and the main reason is
because women dont understand their risks and warning signs
2 Give up smoking
Giving up cigarette smoking is essential for good health Cigarette
smoking can kill you Take charge—give it up
3 Get your numbers right
Take the time to learn the numbers that will save your life know
your numbers for good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and blood
pressure
4 Visit your doctor
Stop waiting around to feel betterif you have risk factors for
stroke or heart disease, or you notice little
things that just dont
feel right, get proactive and visit your physician
5 Eat a healthier diet
Its never too late change your ways Make necessary changes in your
dietyour heart will thank you
6 Create a good support system
Sometimes it helps to share your fears, triumphs and goals If you
dont already have a support system, you can create one or find
support online
7 Get up and move
Physical activity helps manage stress, reduce weight, lower
cholesterol and blood pressure, and makes you feel great
8 Know your family history
If there is a history of heart disease or stroke in your family, your
risks are much higher Write down everything you know about your
familys health history and be prepared to discuss it with your doctor
9 Talk BACK to your doctors
Start talking to your doctor about your health status Be
knowledgeable, be prepared, ask questions, listen, learn and take notes
10 Share your knowledge
Sharing your personal story with others could save someones live
It will make you feel terrific to help someone else take charge of
their
health
———————–
Take Care of You
Education for African American women is crucial in relation to heart
disease Higher risk factors require added attention to heart health
Its up to you to take the initiative and educate yourself Take care of
yourself; your family needs you
Take Care of You
10 Ways To Take Charge of Your Health
