How Women Can Map a Plan to Protect Their Heart

Heart disease is not limited to the men in our world.
Actually, heart disease is the number one health threat for women.
Women need to take charge of their heart care.
We offer some suggestions on how to get started.

Track your numbers.
The main numbers you need to track and the optimum levels you should strive for are blood pressure (120/80), LDL cholesterol ( 50 mg/dL), triglycerides (
Check your family history.
If you have family members who have had heart disease or risk factors associated with it, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you may be at risk for the disease yourself.
If you do have family members, i.
e.
parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, who have a history of heart disease, be sure and let your doctor know this information.
Reproductive issues.
Women who have had high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or toxemia are at a higher risk for heart issues during mid-life.
Also, women who had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
Other health conditions.
There are other health conditions, such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, arthritis and lupus that can increase a woman's risk of heart issues such as heart attack or stroke.
Lifestyle changes.
If you smoke, quit.
Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and rich with fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Make it a point to exercise some each and every day.
Set up a screen schedule.
Depending on your risk for heart disease based on your numbers, family history, other health conditions and lifestyle, get with your doctor and set up a schedule to have your numbers checked as often as your doctor deems necessary.
By doing so, you can see if your lifestyle changes have had an impact on your health in general and on your risk for developing heart issues.