Ladies, did you know heart disease is the number one killer of women? If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure that is above average, you can face a greater risk of developing heart disease. However, the hear’s health is complicated and there are many other factors that can negatively impact your heart’s health.

To ensure your heart stays as healthy as possible, VNA & Hospice has compiled a list of useful information that can help you avoid heart disease. Keep reading to learn six things every woman needs to know about heart disease.

1.) Every Woman Can Be At Risk

When it comes to heart disease, every woman can be at risk, even thin women. There’s no denying that being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for heart disease. However, there are many women who are thin but still carry risk for heart disease. These thin women who are still at risk usually have high blood pressure or an elevated cholesterol.

This cause of this can vary. It could be from genetics. If high blood pressure runs in your family, you too are more susceptible to heart disease. Another reason is from having high amounts of visceral fat. Visceral fat is the body fat stored deep inside your abdomen, near your pancreas, intestines, and liver. This particular type of fat can be dangerous to women because it secretes an inflammatory substance, cytokines, which is toxic for your heart.

2.) Good Sleep Is Essential

Sleep deprivation does more than make you feel tired and cranky in the morning. It can also damage your heart’s health. Sufficient lack of sleep can raise levels of cortisol and cytokines which in turn can increase your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. All of this can lead to the development of heart disease.

Women who get five hours of sleep or fewer each night usually have 50 percent more calcium in their coronary arteries than women who get at least seven hours of sleep each night. However, this doesn’t mean you can sleep in until noon every day. Studies also show that too much sleep can also be bad for women’s hearts. In fact, women who sleep for nine hours or more each night had 72 percent more calcium in their coronary arteries than women who slept seven hours.

However, it’s important to note that what matters more than how much you sleep is how well you sleep. Make sure you are doing everything in your power to get a good night’s sleep each time you go to bed. You can achieve this by eating sleep-promoting foods and limiting screen time and caffeine intake before bedtime.

3.) The Fitter You Are, The Better

The fitter you are, the better chance you have of preventing heart disease. This is especially true for women in their forties. Women who are in great shape in their forties are 37 percent less likely to have a stroke after the age of sixty-five.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to start exercising. Research has shown that inactive women who increase their physical activity after the age of forty-five can reduce their risk of heart failure by 22 percent. Grab your spouse or a group of friends and enjoy the outdoors together. Not only will you make great memories, you’ll also be doing your heart a favor.

4.) Depression Can Be Harmful For Your Heart

A 2016 study presented at the North American Menopause Society’s annual meeting revealed that women with depression face a greater risk of developing heart disease. This is especially true for middle-aged women. Elements of depression, like loneliness and isolation can increase stress hormones which in turn can raise blood pressure and increase inflammation.

Women who suffer from depression are also less likely to exercise, eat well, or take their medications. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression such as sadness, anxiety, or irritability that lasts for more than two weeks, ask your doctor to screen you for depression during your next physical.

5.) Your Health During Pregnancy Can Be Revealing

Make sure you are paying attention to your health during your pregnancy. If you notice a development of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia during the course of your pregnancy, you’re at a greater risk of developing heart disease. This remains true even if the symptoms disappear after you give birth. It’s important that you keep your primary healthcare physician in the loop. This will allow her to give you frequent cardiovascular health screenings to make sure everything is working properly.

6.) Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Did you know that almost 38,000 American women under the age of fifty have heart attacks each year? Unfortunately heart trouble symptoms are not always easy to isolate from other common ailments, such as panic attacks or indigestion. However, it’s vital you watch out for any of these symptoms. When it doubt, call 911. It’s always best to play it safe, especially when it comes to your health.

  • Tingling sensation down one or both arms or legs
  • Jaw pain
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Tightness, pressure, heaviness, or squeezing sensation in chest or back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Racing heart
  • Dizziness or lightheartedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Keep Your Heart Healthy

Heart disease is no small matter. However, by following learning more about the causes and prevention of heart disease, and by seeing your primary healthcare provider on a regular basis, you can enjoy a happy and healthy heart for many years.