Fact: Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. It’s a third of our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, coworkers and more. It’s a third of the women we can’t bear to live without.

Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. 

Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but the approach of menopause marks a point in midlife when women’s cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage is crucial. Research shows that stress impacts health, making it important for women to understand the mind-body connection and how to focus on improving both their physical health and mental well-being. 

Even though heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, women often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.
“They do this because they are scared and because they put their families first,” “There are still many women who are shocked that they could be having a heart attack.

We’ve all seen the movie scenes where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground. In reality ,a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene may not be that dramatic.

“Although men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure,” said Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at NYU’s Langone Medical Center and an American Heart Association volunteer. “Instead, they may experience shortness of breath, “as though you ran a marathon, but you haven’t made a move,” Goldberg said. Some women experiencing a heart attack describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them,   pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, or extreme fatigue. Many women disregard signs especially if they have done some physical work and brush it off to simple muscle aches. 

A heart attack strikes someone about every 43 seconds. It occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances (plaque).

Do NOT be fooled , While the initial causation can often be pinned to heavy smokers, people with high-stress lifestyles, or those who are excessively overweight,  It is not just isolated to that group by any means.  The not-so-usual suspects are thin physically fit, who say it could never happen to them.  Family history and the still pending research on COVID vaccine  can also be at high risk for heart attack.

Medical Break throughs in surgical techniques for clearing blockages have saved lives.  Recovery post a heart attack usually begins with medically supervised exercise – usually an average of three times per week for three months. With an increase after that time.  It also includes nutrition counseling and risk management to help you maintain a healthy weight or quit smoking. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables and little red meat. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, also incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and non-tropical oils.

Another important element of recovery is finding a support system, Goldberg said. Isolation can be a marker for a recurrent heart attack and death. It is important to have connections post a heart attack, you need to rely on family, friends or your house of worship for emotional support. Your mental well being is just as important in recover as medications, diet and movement,

To avoid a recurrence, possibly resulting in death, pay attention right away to treatment and prevention measures, said Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. “Really be proactive.”

The right actions can also help you return to regular activities more quickly, set a course for a healthier future, and help lower the risk of a second heart attack.  It is never too late to incorporate a healthy lifestyle. 

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement was launched in 2004 with the goal of raising awareness and fighting a woman’s greatest heath threat — cardiovascular disease. Today, Go Red for Women not only advocates for the health of all women, funds lifesaving research and educates women across the United States and around the world but is committed to removing the unique barriers women face to experiencing better health and well-being.

Thank you for allowing me to share such Vital information! GO RED MONTH

#hearthealthy #midlife #healthylifestyle #selfcare #heart