Heart of a woman
Heart disease now has a new face – it’s young, fit and female. Journal of American College of Cardiology reports that deaths caused by heart disease in women under 45 years old have been increasing by 1.3 percent each year since 1997.
The typical cardiac patient has historically been a middle-aged or older male; females have been left out of heart disease research studies, which have led to the perception that it does not pertain to women. Female-oriented vascular conditions such as microvascular disease and pregnancy-related heart troubles are less understood than coronary-artery disease which triggers heart attacks in men. Meanwhile 4 in 10 women do not recognize heart disease’s most life threatening sign until it is too late – a heart attack!
The number of young women (under 45) who die from coronary heart disease each year is roughly comparable to the number of women who die of breast cancer, yet there are numerous breast cancer awareness organizations and little in the way of heart disease education. Thus this month’s article will investigate and educate women on risk factors and screening steps.
Doctors are not making the connection between suspicious symptoms and a significant cardiac event in female patients. A recent study presented 800 physicians with patient profiles in which the heart risk levels were identical, but the genders differed. Even when a woman’s risk was the same as a man’s, doctors were more likely to classify her case as low risk.
Women develop different type of heart disease than men and the symptoms and complexity is yet to be researched. Heart disease in women strikes multiple smaller arteries while men more commonly develop a single large plaque that clearly blocks a single artery.
Another reason women with heart disease are being inadequately examined and tested may have to do with the under-recognized connection between the reproductive organs and heart health. Irregular menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances play a role in coronary vessels tightening and thus making you more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks.
Pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and gestational diabetes can trigger heart disease by increasing blood clotting and risks of high blood pressure. New moms are often told that these conditions are pregnancy-specific and are resolved after birth of their child. New research now shows that they can have an impact years after the pregnancy.
3 steps to prevention:
1. Know your numbers
By age 30 get your blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels checked annually.
2. Know your risks
Abnormal cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Drug or tobacco use
Diabetes
Family history
Obesity
Pregnancy
Birth control pills
Poor diet and lack of exercise
3. Get Checked
Based on your numbers, many doctors will use online tools to assess your risk level and determine what tests you need. Ask your doctor about female-focused Reynalds Risk Score (reynoldsriskscore.org) which accounts for all the risks as well as factors that can be particularly troubling in women, such as certain cholesterol types and inflammatory markers specific to females.
Signs, symptoms, and risk factors for heart disease can be subtle or seemingly harmless and prevention is extremely valuable. Educate yourself on risks, take care of your body, and ask your doctor for a checkup. Call us for a free consultation or to check your blood pressure at 949.387.1333
Cure High Blood Pressure Naturally
High Blood Pressure…
American Heart Association reports one out of three adults in the United States is suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is known as the ‘silent killer’ and you may be suffering from it without experiencing major symptoms. High blood pressure pushes against the walls of arteries and veins and can cause stroke, heart attack, aortic aneurysm and death. Call us at 949.387.1333 to get checked and find out if you are at risk for hypertension.
The answer to the question of how to cure high blood pressure naturally and without medication is most commonly a low salt intake, exercise and a healthy diet. Most people don’t realize that there are various other treatment options that are natural and can help lower your blood pressure so that you can become medication free.
Truth about high blood pressure medication:
It is important to understand that hypertension medications will NOT change, modify, or address the underlying cause of high blood pressure. They synthetically lower your blood pressure by either causing the heart to beat slower or making your blood less thick so your blood pressure numbers are looking good, but not exactly healthy. You may be able to lower your blood pressure on paper but this ‘silent killer’ has not been treated- not to mention the deadly side-effects. New research is now showing some natural remedies are just as effective as their medication counterpart.
3 secrets to beat the ‘silent killer’ naturally and effectively:
Get Chiropractic Care:
Many of us consider chiropractic care a vital path to good health, but did you know that it has also been shown to significantly improve high blood pressure? New and exciting research was done by medical doctors in 2007 shows that chiropractic care can be as effective as high blood pressure medications with no side effects. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TTzKwvNbP0
Correct positioning of your neck vertebra is vital in optimal functioning of not only your neck but your entire body. A misaligned neck puts pressure on your nerve and contribute to accelerated aging, migraine headaches, aches, fatigue and last but not least hypertension. You may be a candidate for less medication and lower side effects! For a one-on-one complimentary consultation contact our office for an appointment 949.387.1333
Evaluate your Nutrition:
You already know about a low-salt diet now how about adding Garlic, Green Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Olive Leaf Extracts to your list. Three Miracle Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, and potassium as well as Fish oil and CoQ10 should also be added to your supplement list. There are multiple other herbal and nutritional supplements that can regulate your blood flow. For a detailed assessment of your diet or supplemental intake give us a call at 949.387.1333
Watch Your Weight:
It’s been shown that a 10% weight loss can normalize your blood pressure. A regular and effective exercise program specifically to regulate your weight, insulin levels, and high blood pressure is the way to go. The only side effect to this one is a fit and healthy body!
