There are a few things you probably don’t know about heart disease, especially how it affects women.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women, but until recently, as Dr. Karen Latimer explains, cardiac issues were thought to be a men’s health problem. The truth is that more women die from heart disease than men. In fact, 1 in 4 U.S. women die from heart disease.
Dr. Latimer explains that the stigma surrounding heart disease and the lack of awareness of its symptoms exacerbates the issue. “When you think heart attack, most people think crushing, severe chest pain,” the physician asserts. “Women have a tendency to downplay our symptoms, ignore our symptoms, suffer in silence and we end up receiving treatment later….sometimes too late.”
According to Mary C. Collins, a board-certified advanced practice nurse in cardiology at The Valley Hospital, part of the problem is that women’s symptoms are often more subtle than men’s. Many women will wait out their symptoms instead of seeking help, and for those that do seek help, they are often met by healthcare providers who don’t associate women with heart disease.
The best protection is knowing what to watch out for. Women’s symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Discomfort in the upper chest
- Nausea
How can you lower your risk for heart disease? Here are the most important things you can do:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise about five times a week
- Know your personal risks
To learn more about heart health in women, watch the video above!
12 PHOTOS11 Important Foods You'll Want to Add to Your DietSee Gallery11 Important Foods You'll Want to Add to Your Diet
Read on to discover 11 important foods you’ll want to add to your diet.
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Soy Milk
Soy milk is a big source of protein and is full of calcium and iron. Other soy products like tofu contain B-complex vitamins, and using an ingredient like tofu is a great way to put some protein in your diet without adding unhealthy fat.
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Salmon
Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids.
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Oatmeal
Like salmon, oatmeal contains omega-3 fatty acids, along with soluble fiber.
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Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is full of polyphenols which can help prevent particular health issues.
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Blueberries
Blueberries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids as well as a number of other healthy nutrients.
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Tomatoes
You’ve probably heard that tomatoes are full of lycopene as well as beta- and alpha-carotene.
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Nuts
Nuts like almonds and walnuts are great for snacking and contain omega-3 fatty acids and fiber as well as vitamin E.
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Citrus
Citrus fruits like oranges are high in vitamin C.
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Tea
Tea is full of antioxidants that promote good health.
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Red Wine
Red wine contains resveratrol which some say gives it an added benefit.
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Green Vegetables
Green vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale are high in carotenoids.
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