Empowering women to stay heart healthy at every age When it comes to heart health, men and women are not always created equal.Although heart disease is often thought of as a man's disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that women account for more than half of all heart disease deaths in this country. Women often develop heart disease later in life than men — typically seven to eight years later — but by the age of 65, a woman's risk for heart disease parallels that of a man's, according to Dr. Rajesh Mohan, a cardiologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood. "It's the leading cause of death among women over 65, and kills more women in that age group than all cancers combined," he says.Heart disease is not exclusive to older women, however; it's the second leading cause of death among women ages 45 to 64, and the third among women ages 25 to 44. In addition to age, family history plays a part in determining a woman's risk for heart disease."Having a father or brother with heart disease before age 55, or a mother or sister with heart disease before age 65, are factors that increase an individual's risk for heart disease as well,"he adds. Knowing whether you're at risk can be key,particularly for women, whose heart-related symptoms don't always add up. "Women's symptoms are not always as predictable as a man's might be," says Dr. Mohan."For women, unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance and shortness of breath are the most reported symptoms preceding or during a heart attack,"he says.While chest pain is still considered the most significant heart attack symptom in both men and women, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fewer than 30 percent of women report having chest pain or discomfort prior to a heart attack, and 43 percent report no chest pain during any phase of the attack. "Women are more likely to experience nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, and anxiety as symptoms that indicate a heart attack," says Dr. Mohan. "Those women who do experience chest pain may also experience back pain or a deep aching and throbbing in one or both arms,"he adds.Additional symptoms can also include a feeling of breathlessness or the inability to catch your breath upon waking; clammy sweating, swelling of the ankles or lower legs and a rapid heart beat or palpitations. Tragically, when it comes to heart disease, women are less likely to survive an attack than men. It is not known whether that's because women dismiss their less-than-classic symptoms and don't seek treatment as quickly as men, or because a woman's heart is smaller and blood vessels are more easily damaged. There is no question, however, that when it comes to women and heart disease, prevention is key. "After age and genetics, the most significant factors that contribute to heart disease for both women and men are diabetes mellitus, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol," explains Dr. Mohan."You can't change your age or genetics, but you can make lifestyle changes to significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and improve your health overall," he says. Dr. Mohan offers the following hearthealthy recommendations for both men and women: • Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease in women.More than half of the heart attacks in women under 50 are related to smoking. If you stop smoking, you can lower your risk of heart attack by one third within two years.Women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk even more. • Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Treating high blood pressure can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Losing weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy low-fat, low-sodium diet are all ways to help control high blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. If these steps don't help, you may need to take medication. • Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts a strain on your heart and arteries, and puts you at a higher risk for other health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Exercise and a low-fat diet can help you lose weight. Keep fat calories to 30 percent or less of the total calories you eat during a day and avoid saturated fat (the fat in meats and coconut oil). Talk to your doctor about a safe and effective way to lose weight. • Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.Your heart is a muscle and needs regular exercise to stay in shape. Strive for at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, four to six times a week.Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. • Take care of diabetes. If you have diabetes, regular exercise, weight control, a low-fat diet and regular medical check ups are important. If you're on medication, be sure to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes. Dr. Mohan reiterates that it's vital to contact your doctor and head to the emergency department immediately if you suffer from pain in your chest, shoulder, neck or jaw.Also notify your doctor if you experience shortness of breath or nausea that comes on quickly. "Women often ignore their symptoms and figure they'll go away.But, if you are having a heart attack, every second counts.The faster you can get to the hospital, the less damage to your heart," he adds. T to contact Dr.Rajesh Mohan or for a referral to another cardiologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, call 888- SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).