First Friday of February month marks National Wear Red Day every year. This year it will be observed across the world on February 3, 2017. People wear red clothes for spreading awareness about women heart health. According to latest health statistics, one in every 3 women dies of cardiovascular diseases. Main aim of National Wear Red Day is to raise awareness about increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in women & encouraging everyone to follow a healthy lifestyle. Approximately 70 % of the heart strokes can be prevented by taking appropriate measures.
Heart Disease Risk Factors
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women of all ages. It is important for every woman to take care of their heart. Conventional risk factors associated with heart disease in women include hypertension, high cholesterol & obesity. However, there are some other risk factors which may also contribute to development of heart disease in women. They can be described as follows.
- Pregnancy - Women with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing heart diseases. Some studies reveal that ratio of mothers with cardiovascular diseases has increased due to these medical conditions.
- Birth Control Pills - It has been found that birth control pills are responsible for raising blood pressure in women. Women should consult a doctor prior to taking any kind of medication. Also, the estrogen level in birth control pills may result in blood clotting which ultimately could lead to stroke.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Hormone replacement therapy is a medical practice which is performed for alleviating hot flashes & other menopause symptoms in women after delivery. Risk of developing heart disease due to hormone replacement procedure depends on several factors like healthcare history & lifestyle of patient.
- Menopause - Risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increase as one age. Menopause usually occurs around the age of 50 in majority of women. The expression ‘menopause’ signifies the phase in women’s life when her reproductive period ends & she stops menstruating completely. Estrogen level in women declines dramatically post-menopause. It is a major reason for development of heart disease in middle-aged women.
If women observe any heart-related warning signs, they should consult a cardiovascular surgeon for seeking prompt heart disease treatment.
Measures for Minimizing the Risk of Heart Diseases in Women
Women should regularly get their cholesterol levels checked by doctors. Making appropriate changes in lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases. Women should follow the following set of guidelines for living a healthy life.
- Body Weight - Obesity is known to be a major risk factor for developing cardiac diseases. Women should maintain a healthy body weight to avoid heart diseases.
- Regularly Exercise - Daily exercising habit can save women from a lot of heart-related troubles. It has been proven that women who regularly exercise are at a lower risk of acquiring heart disease.
- Quit smoking - Excessive smoking is also responsible for the occurrence of stroke. Women should discontinue the habit of smoking.
- Medications - Women must take appropriate medications as prescribed by doctors.
In addition to this, women should incorporate a healthy diet containing less amount of salt & sugar. They should eat low-fat foods, whole grains, fruits & fresh vegetables. These simple yet powerful changes in lifestyle will ensure a healthy heart condition.
