Life Matters | fall 2004



 

Women and Heart Disease: An Individual Approach

 
 
Smoking. High cholesterol. Being overweight. These factors contribute to heart disease, which kills more than 500,000 women each year. But what if you’re not a smoker and aren’t overweight, yet have high cholesterol? Are your chances for heart disease any different?

The truth is that every woman’s risk for heart disease and stroke is different. That’s why the new approach in predicting and fending off heart disease emphasizes a personal touch.

Factoring In Your Numbers
The American Heart Association developed a guide for preventing heart disease, based on a woman’s individual cardiovascular health. Now, you and your doctor can create an individualized plan for preventing cardiovascular disease and improving your chances to live a longer, healthier life.

Your doctor will assess your risk level by factoring in such elements as:

  • your age
  • your total cholesterol and your high density lipoprotein (HDL) level—a higher HDL means a lower risk for heart disease
  • whether or not you smoke
  • your blood pressure.

Then, you may be placed in one of three risk categories—low, intermediate, and high. Low risk means a woman has a less than 10% chance of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. Intermediate risk is defined as a 10 to 20% chance. And high risk is a greater than 20% chance.

A Personal Plan for Prevention
According to Dr. David Sullivan, cardiologist with Jefferson Medical Associates, “Based on your level of risk, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes, ranging from exercising and following a heart-healthy diet to taking medications to control your cholesterol or blood pressure. If you have a history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes, are overweight, and are considered high risk, a regular dose of aspirin may be recommended.”

Dr. Sullivan adds, “All women should quit smoking, exercise 30 minutes most days of the week, and follow a heart-healthy diet to prevent potential heart disease factors.”

Studies show that fitness is an excellent way to prevent heart disease. South Central Regional Medical Center’s Wellness Center offers a complete fitness program personally designed for you. For more information, visit our website at www.scrmc.com, click on “Services,” then “Wellness Center.”




The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Life Matters published by South Central Regional Medical Center.

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