Evelyn Minaya, M.D.
Riverview Medical Center
Women are very often concerned about breast cancer. As a gynecologist, I am diligent about breast cancer detection with my patients. However, I am also very concerned with their heart health.
Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. Women over age 45? And that each year 500,000 women die of heart disease—a figure that is higher than the deaths for all cancers combined.
But there is good news. We know that there are a number of things women (and men) can do to prevent heart disease. For some it may be one or two changes, for others it may be a complete lifestyle change. No matter the number of changes, you can make a very positive difference by following these very simple lifestyle changes:
If you are a smoker, stop immediately! Women who smoke have a higher death risk from heart disease and smokers who have a heart attack are more likely to die suddenly than nonsmokers.
Take control of your blood pressure! Sometimes losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising will reduce hypertension. Sometimes you may need to take medication. Work with your doctor to do what’s best for you.
Know your numbers! Watch your cholesterol—especially your triglycerides. Get regular cholesterol screenings and maintain a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Move more! You don’t have to become a tri-athlete (unless you want to) but studies have found that a sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Even regular moderate exercise, such as walking once a day for 20 to 30 minutes, can reduce the risk for heart disease.
Find a healthy weight for your body and set a goal to get there! Adopt a few simple dietary changes: add more fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and cereals low in saturated and trans fats and you will see a difference in your waistline and your heart health. And, losing inches from your waistline is important as the risk for heart disease is particularly high in women who have excess abdominal fat.
Limit your alcohol consumption! Women shouldn't have more than one alcoholic drink per day.
If you have Diabetes, be diligent about controlling the disease! More than 80 percent of people who have diabetes die from some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Compared with women of the same age without diabetes, diabetic women have an increased risk for heart attack.
Stress less! I know stress is part of every day life but add some things that will help you deal with stress. Take breaks from work and home duties, read books, take daily walks and avoid negative people in your life.
Of course, genetics and advancing age are factors that are out of our control and play a role in heart disease. That is why it is important to see your doctor regularly and to know your numbers. But you can take control by making the positive changes above and, I promise you, your heart will thank you for it.
Ali R. Moosvi, M.D.
Ocean Medical Center
A commitment to healthy life habits is the best prevention for heart disease. This includes, cutting back on foods high in fat and cholesterol; eat more fruits and vegetables; increase your physical activity, maintain a healthy weight; no smoking; and have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. Meridian offers many opportunities for having your blood pressure and cholesterol checked for free at health fairs throughout Monmouth and Ocean County.
Frank J. Sharp, M.D.
Ocean Medical Center
People don’t realize that early diagnosis of vascular disease is crucial to minimize risk of future, more significant problems such as stroke, heart attack, and even loss of a limb. Understanding that risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity can lead to PVD or PAD (Peripheral Vascular Disease or Peripheral Artery Disease) is very important. These diseases can strike at any age, but particularly in adults age 50 and older. Paying attention to risk factors and knowing your family history of cardiovascular disease, is an important step in prevention.
