Most people see heart disease as a health condition only concentrated to a few especially those who were born with heart disease and termed to be congenital. However, most heart problems that we have are results of unhealthy lifestyle that we are in.

In the United States cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer. In an estimate made, one in every four American women dies of heart problems. A national movement was then established to help others prevent heart disease and it is called the Go Red for Women founded by the American Heart Association. This also tagged February 1 as the national wear red day.

There are several types of diseases that can affect heart health. The most common among these is the coronary artery disease. This condition happens when the heart does not get enough blood.

Not everyone feels pain in the chest during a heart attack. Heart diseases can also have “atypical” symptoms where back pain, nausea, or fatigue, Lightheadedness, dizziness, and weakness can be felt rather than chest pain. In a research made, women are likely to have these symptoms than men.
Aside from “atypical symptoms” there is also what we call prodromal symptoms. Prodromal symptoms or pre-heart attack symptoms happens prior to a heart attack, generally from about 4 to 6 months to 1 week before. Some of the symptoms that fall under this category are unusual fatigue, anxiety, pain in shoulder blade and upper back, shortness of breath and indigestion.

Who are on the risk for heart problems?

Women who are taking birth control pills. For women who do not have serious risk factors for heart disease, low-dose birth control pills do NOT pose a risk for heart disease. However, those who have certain cardiovascular disease risk factors, taking birth control pills can increase the risk of heart problems. The mentioned risk factors refer to smoking, family history, and diabetes. Women in this category may want a different form of birth control other than oral contraceptives.

Eating an unhealthy Western-style diet. Since Western-style diet comprises of red meat and foods high in cholesterol, this increases a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 46%. A healthy diet for the heart include a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains (particularly whole grains), fat-free and low-fat dairy products, fish, legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, soybeans), poultry, and lean meats.

Those who live in a stressful environment. Since stress is defined differently by each person, it is important that stress is managed well so as to avoid hypertension and high blood pressure which can then result to heart diseases.

Heart disease is a health condition that cannot easily be neglected. Learn how to minimize the risks of heart problem by living with a healthy lifestyle.

By: riza belgira

Article source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Riza C. Belgira is health enthusiast and an advocate of strengthening women’s health and well-being through informative health resources and articles. Visit her web site and explore informative and useful tips on pregnancy, dieting and weight loss at www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/ and www.weightloss-advisor.com