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Men are especially prone to heart diseases. However, women are equally vulnerable to heart problems; they are one of the leading causes of death in women. Therefore, women are more likely to take heart health lightly. You need to consider changing your lifestyle for a healthy heart. Waiting till problems manifest themselves is unwise. In case you do face a problem, don’t be scared. With a few tips, you can change your health right around. The idea is to prevent heart attack or stroke in the future. Family history and age-related risks are imminent, but they can be limited by making the right lifestyle choices.
Healthy eating and exercise are the two most important activities that help maintain heart health. Working out regularly from a young age can almost eliminate the risk of most heart diseases or any other chronic illnesses, for that matter. Experience the convenience of working out as per your convenience with FITPASS. Attend any workout routine you like and get fit on your terms. Looking for nutritional assistance? Check out FITFEAST that connects you with expert nutritionists in real-time for customized diet plans.
Heart Health For Women
1. Be Informed
Although men are considered to be exceedingly vulnerable to heart diseases, heart attack symptoms among women are more in number as compared to symptoms in men. While women might experience pressure or discomfort in the chest in addition to short breaths like men, they might also have pain on the left side of the back. Shoulder pain in the left, fullness in the stomach, or nausea might be signs of an imminent heart attack. Moreover, all women having a heart attack might not experience chest pain.
The following are symptoms of a heart attack witnessed only by women:
- Upper back pain
- Pain/pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
- Fainting
- Indigestion
- Extreme fatigue
2. Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Doctor
It takes a while for chronic illnesses to manifest their symptoms, which is why it is important to schedule regular checkups to assess vital levels and heart health. You should approach the appointment with proper preparation; carry with you the details of the previous appointments and diagnoses. If it’s your first time visiting a cardiologist, make sure you know your family history well. Most importantly do not hide any details; talk freely with the doctor. Knowing your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels is advisable.
3. Quit Smoking
Do it now! Smoking contributes to the development of heart diseases. Yes, giving up smoking is not easy but the habit isn’t healthy either. Look for ways that might work for you. Prepare yourself for the withdrawal beforehand. Try nicotine patches, medication, acupuncture, hypnosis, support groups or whatever it takes. Try to deal with your stress with the help of other things than smoking. Try till you find what works for you. When it comes to smoking, there is no such thing as moderation; either you don’t smoke and help your heart or you keep smoking and keep hurting your heart health.
4. Exercise Often
Are you thinking of how to start caring for your heart? Well, all you need to do is start working out regularly. It is the best way to maintain your weight and blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Basically, working out keeps your body going and prevents the possibilities of chronic illnesses. Experts suggest that light to moderate exercise for half an hour 3-4 days a week is indispensable.
5. Eat Healthy
Eating the right foods supply your body with all the nutrients it requires. If your sustenance needs are met with, your cardiovascular health is unlikely to cause you problems. Include low-calorie foods packed with vitamins and minerals that help you maintain your weight and vital levels. Make sure to eat fiber-rich foods, as they control your cholesterol levels. Consume fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, nuts, poultry, and fish to keep your digestive system healthy. Stay away from sugary foods and reduce your tea and coffee intake as much as you can. If you can do without them, nothing like it.
6. Manage Stress
While there might be some debate on other topics, it is certain that women care for others without limitations, especially family and friends. Mothers are perfect examples of people who lose sleep over others’ troubles, especially their children. And their schedules are no less hectic than those of men. Therefore, the levels of the stress hormone increases and might lead to heart problems like high BP, stroke, and heart attack.
You might not notice it but stress leads to overeating. You must learn how to recognize stress for what it is and avoid unnecessary eating. Something as simple as taking a few deep breaths can help relieve stress. Don’t mistake resting for de-stressing; you need to indulge in activities of your interest to relax.
7. Sleep Well
Any person, whether man or woman, is unlikely to stay healthy if he or she doesn’t sleep enough or sleep well. Adults need a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep to feel fresh. Several pieces of research show that sleep deprivation is associated with heart disease. Poor sleep leads to increased blood pressure, which can make it difficult for you to maintain your weight. Deep sleep ensures that the body recuperates well.
The treatment for heart care is different for women as compared to men. All women do not witness chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack. Knowing the symptoms is essential for women; not knowing can delay seeking the needed help. Moreover, women can get fatal heart attacks as well, which is why you must keep a regular check on your health.
