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Health Care Services
Heart-y Questions Every Woman Should AskYou may not realize it, but the biggest threat to your health isn’t breast cancer. It’s heart disease, the #1 killer of both men and women in America.The good news about heart disease is that in many ways, it’s preventable. The first step, according to our panel of physicians (below), is to ask yourself these key questions.
Am I comfortable talking to my doctor about heart health?Your primary doctor should focus on prevention—working with you to head off problems before they occur. Make sure you have a doctor who’ll talk with you and arrange the screenings you need. Many young women’s primary doctor is a gynecologist. As you approach age 40, add a family physician or internist if you don’t already have one. Their area of expertise includes age-related conditions like heart disease.Is there heart disease in my family?Your risk is higher if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) developed heart disease early—before age 55 in males, 65 in females—or if several other relatives (grandparents, aunts) had it. This is the one risk factor you can’t control, but awareness helps.Am I overweight?Obesity is a major heart disease risk factor. Calculate your body-mass index (BMI) to see if you’re overweight or obese. Waistline is another good measure. If it’s greater than 35 inches, you have the “apple shape” linked with higher heart disease risk.What’s my blood pressure?High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the “silent killer” because there are no symptoms, and most people with hypertension don’t know it. Your blood pressure should be 120/80 or below. Have it checked at least every two years.Do I need a cholesterol test?If you haven’t had one, yes! Get a full “lipid profile” including LDL, HDL and triglycerides, and discuss the results with your doctor.Am I getting enough exercise?The key to heart health is aerobic exercise—the kind that raises your heart rate and keeps it raised for a sustained period of time. Experts differ on how much you need, but aim for at least 30 minutes, most days.How heart-healthy is my diet?The answer depends largely on how much fat you consume. Avoid saturated and trans fats in favor of mono- or polyunsaturated fats like olive oil. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and fiber.Am I at risk for diabetes?If there’s diabetes in your family or you’re overweight, ask your doctor about a blood sugar test. Diabetes is strongly linked to heart disease, especially in women.Is it time to quit smoking?Absolutely—it’s the #1 preventable cause of heart disease. Because their bodies naturally have more fatty tissue (where nicotine collects), women can have a harder time quitting than men. Get the help you need.Is my life too stressful?Emotional stress raises your blood pressure and also makes you more likely to skip exercise, eat on the run, lose sleep and grab a cigarette. Think about how to claim some rejuvenation time each day.Am I being a good role model?Living a heart-healthy life isn’t just about you. You’ll also inspire your friends, childrenand grandchildren to get an early start on their own lifelong well-being.
Want to Know More about cholesterol? Click here. This page last updated 4/22/08 02:03 PM
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