In recent years, I have increasingly recognized the importance of prioritizing my heart health. While consumption of a nutritious diet has not presented a challenge, sufficient exercise and consistent water consumption have. Therefore, I regularly participate in and offer challenges. Here’s a water challenge that I find useful.
Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Heart Association (AHA), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) indicate that cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and homicide are significant causes of death for women. Alongside these statistics, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among men and women in America.
Alarmingly, heart disease is responsible for approximately one in three female deaths each year; more than all forms of cancer, combined. Some of the fatalities appear to be directly related to being under recognized and, therefore, go undertreated. Knowing this, whether 30, 50, or 75 and older, it is advisable that we do not gloss over lesser known/embraced symptoms like fatigue or excusing that “it” (whatever the symptom) developed after turning 70, so “it must be old age.”
Rather, a basic understanding of coronary heart disease may well serve to help diminish or even prevent its invasion. When the small blood vessels of the heart become clogged, it causes narrowing of these blood vessels. Plaque will build up and cause what is known as hardening of the arteries. When fatty materials begin to deposit into the arteries, it becomes difficult for blood and oxygen to reach the heart through those pathways. The end result is that the heart cannot receive vital blood and oxygen, allowing for the possibility and even probability of a heart attack.
Symptoms
Some symptoms, when experienced by women, are of obvious concern. Other symptoms are subtle and may be overlooked. However, all symptoms warrant a visit with a personal physician or emergency room. They include:
* Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath could develop from anything from heart disease to asthma. If you are short of breath, do not hesitate to visit your physician. You may be able to ward off something more serious in the future. Do not take it for granted that you are just getting older. Visit your doctor.
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* Dizziness or fainting
Dizziness or fainting are symptoms that something is amiss in your body. If you have both dizziness and fainting and shortness of breath, this warrants an immediate visit to your physician. Do not put it off.
* Pressure or pain
Pressure associated with heart disease is a tell-tale sign of something wrong. Pressure in your chest or in your arm, neck, and shoulders could be indicative of heart disease.
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* Fatigue
Sometimes we view fatigue as something that will go away on its own. However, if you have fatigue, it could be that your body is warning you that something is wrong or is treading that way. If you act early enough, you may actually be able to ward it off.
The Importance of Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
If you have any or all of the symptoms listed above, a regular check-up would be beneficial. It is better to be wrong, having said something, than to be right and saying nothing. There are a number of tests to evaluate the situation. Electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, heart stress tests, and heart CT scans include a few. Once the tests are complete, your healthcare provider can properly treat your particular need.
