Many women live in fear of breast cancer, but they often don't realize that heart disease poses a much greater threat. In fact, heart disease is the number one cause of death among American women.
Did you know:
• About 1 in 30 women die of breast cancer. But, nearly 1 in 3 women die of cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke.
• Cardiovascular disease kills more women each year than cancer, lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, and accidents combined.
• About 24 percent of men who have a heart attack die within a year. In women, the figure is 42 percent.
A women’s chance of developing heart disease increases with age, and it goes up greatly after menopause. Women of all ages should be concerned about heart disease. It's never too early or too late to take steps to protect your heart. You can't change some things that put your heart at risk, such as getting older and having a family history of heart disease. There are also certain conditions that tend to be more common in women, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are associated with an increased relative risk for heart disease. There are plenty of other things you can do to keep your heart strong and healthy.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking has been closely linked to heart disease as well as a host of other diseases. Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health.
• Get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure (hypertension) makes the heart work harder than normal. It can also damage your blood vessels. You may have high blood pressure and not know it because it has no symptoms. Have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, and if it is high, take steps to lower it. Exercise more, eat less salt, lose some weight if needed, and take medication if your doctor prescribes it.
• Control your cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can clog your arteries and raise your risk of a heart attack. Saturated fats raise your cholesterol level, so limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats. Instead, choose healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and some fish.
• Regular physical activity can cut your risk for many of the main causes of illness and death, including heart disease and stroke. It can also help you lower high blood pressure and cholesterol and control your weight. Check with your doctor before you increase your activity level.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Choose lean meats, cut back on sugar, and watch your portion sizes.
The keys to surviving a heart attack is being aware of the signs and then acting quickly. Women often fail to recognize they are having a heart attack, and they are less likely than men to seek emergency treatment. That may be one reason why women are more likely than men to die from a heart attack.
Some of the signs of a heart attack include:
• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
• Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest pain
• Other symptoms such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
• Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom in women.
Call 9-1-1 right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack. Call even if you're not sure it's a heart attack. Do not wait for someone to drive you to the hospital. Emergency medical personnel can start treatment right away if you need it. Minutes can make the difference between life and death with a heart attack.
ARE YOUR CHILDREN AT RISK FOR SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH?
Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy (HCM) is the leading cause of death in young people. HCM is a genetic disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder to pump blood throughout the body. Sudden death may occur from the onset of ventricular tachycardia (a type of rapid heart rate) or other dangerous arrhythmias. Although it can occur in any age group, sudden death is most shocking when it happens to young adults or athletes. While these tragic deaths are often given prominence in the media, sudden death is rare (1% or less per year in adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). One death is too many. HCM cannot be cured but once detected can be managed under the care of a physician.
Cardiacscan Imaging has partnered with Winthrop University Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center both “ HCM Centers of Excellence” and The Gregory M Hirsch Memorial Foundation to bring awareness through education and screening.
The Adolescent Lifescan Screen is a simple, painless and noninvasive Electrocardiogram- EKG, Echocardiogram (ECHO) and Body Mass Index (BMI) screening program. We are mobile so we can bring the screening to you. The purpose is to identify as many high-risk abnormalities as possible. Cardiacscan Imaging Services offers screenings to help identify those at risk of HCM. www.cardiacscanny.com. www.gmhmfoundation.org
Without a sign or symptom a doctor would charge you for an elective Echocardiogram anywhere from $800-$1200 alone, an EKG would be an additional $150 potentially plus office visit chare. The Adolescent Lifescan Screening costs $265 per student.
Through screening programs, more children and families at risk can be identified early!
We can be reached at 1-888-518-2810 to discuss in greater detail how the program can work for your children.
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Kerri Winans-Kaley, Founder & CEO of Cardiac Scan Imaging Services |
