Heart disease associated with men, but women should take heed as well

It’s not a common question, but maybe it’s the right one. Everyone dreads getting asked, “How old are you?” But while your age indicates one number, your heart could be much older.

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about chronic heart disease and to take action.

Ladies, you might blush when you learn your true heart age. That’s because people often associate heart disease with men. In reality, this silent disease plagues millions of Americans, killing 800,000 people every year, and half of them are women.

In Oregon, heart disease is the second-leading cause of death behind cancer. Heart disease, diabetes and stroke combined cause 28 percent of deaths in the state.

Are we all equal when it comes to heart health?

While everyone’s heart is different, the simple answer is yes. Many assume that heart disease is a gender-specific health problem. Guys, you can see your girlfriends or wives pointing a finger at you. But when it comes to heart disease in the United States, men and women are equally affected.

Heart disease causes one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute. For comparison, one in 31 women die of breast cancer each year.

“It’s important for women to recognize that heart disease is a serious threat no matter your age or gender,” said Dr. Katherine Strelich, a cardiologist at Adventist Medical Center in Southeast Portland. “But what I tell all my patients is that in many cases, heart disease can be avoided or controlled simply by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, and by taking a proactive approach toward getting screened for heart problems,” Strelich adds.

One quick and simple way to find out how your heart is doing is to take Adventist Health’s online Heart Health Assessment. The five-minute test gives its takers a personalized report that includes detailed information about your heart health, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and steps to take toward living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

What should I know about heart attacks?

Most people know a loved one, friend, coworker or acquaintance who has experienced a heart attack. It seems to strike all of a sudden and out of the blue with no warning signs, but many people don’t realize there are a number of symptoms that appear when a heart attack is looming. For women, those signs may even appear up to a month before a heart attack strikes.

Common signs of heart attack include chest pain, pain in the upper body, and shortness of breath. Women tend to experience a few more specific warning signs, such as extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

People who believe they are experiencing a heart attack should call 9-1-1 immediately.

So what are a few ways to improve my heart health?

• Quit smoking. Cigarettes stress out your heart by robbing it of good cholesterol that protects it.

• Manage your stress. Stress can cause high blood pressure, overeating and smoking, all things that negatively impact your heart.

• Exercise. By getting the recommended 30 minutes of daily activity, you can help maintain a healthy body weight that takes stress off your heart.

• Eat well. Simple changes to your diet can improve the health of your heart. Try avoiding processed foods with high sodium, switching to whole grains, reducing the amount of red meat in your diet, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Get some sleep. Get anywhere from 6-8 hours of sleep every night so you’re rested and ready to start each day.