Her Daily News

The National Institute of Health started Heart Truth and the Red Dress campaign to focus on women and heart health. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, and women’s symptoms often differ from men’s. Thanks to information campaigns like Heart Truth, the majority of women are now aware that heart disease is their biggest health concern. You are also probably aware that certain risk factors increase your chances for a significant cardiac event. But is your doctor aware of what your risk factors are?

No matter your age, it is important for your physician to know your full history and any information that might put you at increased concern for heart disease. The following information provided by the NIH will help you get started on your discussion with your doctor. If you don’t have a check-up scheduled anytime soon, make an appointment. Preventive measures and early detection are your greatest guard against a heart attack, and studies show that 2/3 of women who suffer a heart attack never fully recover.

Questions to ask your doctor

• 1. What is my risk for heart disease?
• 2. What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me, and what
  do I need to do about it?
• 3. What are my cholesterol numbers? (These include total cholesterol,
  LDL or “bad” cholesterol, HDL or “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides.)
  What do they mean for me, and what do I need to do about them?
• 4. What are my “body mass index” and waist measurement? Do they
  indicate that I need to lose weight for my health?
• 5. What is my blood sugar level, and does it mean I’m at risk
  for diabetes?
• 6. What other screening tests for heart disease do I need? How
  often should I return for checkups for my heart health?
• 7. What can you do to help me quit smoking?
• 8. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
• 9. What is a heart-healthy eating plan for me? Should I see a registered
  dietitian or qualified nutritionist to learn more about healthy eating?
• 10. How can I tell if I’m having a heart attack?

What’s your risk?

1. Do you smoke?
2. Is your blood pressure 140/90 mmHg or higher, OR
   have you been told by your doctor that your blood
   pressure is too high?
3. Has your doctor told you that your total cholesterol level
   is 200 mg/dL or higher, OR your HDL (good cholesterol)
   is less than 40 mg/dL?
4. Has your father or brother had a heart attack before
   age 55, OR has your mother or sister had one before
   age 65?
5. Do you have diabetes OR a fasting blood sugar of 126
   mg/dL or higher, OR do you need medicine to control
   your blood sugar?
6. Are you over 55 years old?
7. Do you have a body mass index (BMI) score of 25
   or more?
8. Do you get less than a total of 30 minutes of physical
   activity on most days?
9. Has a doctor told you that you have angina (chest pains),
   OR have you had a heart attack?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are at an increased risk of having a heart attack.

To help you take control of the nutritional factors affecting your heart, the NIH offers the cookbook Keep the Beat: Heart Healthy Recipes. You can view the cookbook online or download the pdf for free. Printed copies can be ordered for just $4.00 per book. As the recipes in this special collection show, you do not have to lose flavor to gain heart health and “keep the beat”. Enjoy “Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken,” “Red Hot Fusilli,” “Crunchy Pumpkin Pie,” and “Summer Breezes Smoothie.” Contains more than 100 pages of tempting heart healthy, taste-tested recipes sure to please you and your family. Turn your meals from “ho-hum” to “yum-yum” experiences.

You have heard the warnings, seen the information, and learned the risk factors. Now is the time to take action! Talk to your doctor, download the cookbook, reduce your risk factors, and listen to your heart.

Sources: National Institute of Health, Heart Truth

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