Will knowing your 30-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease affect your habits today? Armed with knowledge, you can reduce your risk of heart disease thanks to lifestyle changes and a new online risk calculator It might be easier to do. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, learn why it’s especially important for women^th anniversary of go red for women.

Heart disease is a broad term that describes problems with the heart. The most common problems include heart attack, blockage of heart arteries, congestive heart failure (weakness of the heart), and atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm). Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women.

The value of quality sleep and stress management

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers a list of 10 lifestyle changes to prevent heart attacks, including diet, activity, and exercise. All have great influence, but Dr. Deepa RaghunathanThe UT Physicians Multispecialty – The Heights cardiologist said two factors are often not emphasized: the importance of quality sleep and stress management.

“Sleep quality and stress are closely linked. They can potentially lead to poor nutritional decisions, be too tired to exercise, and increase blood pressure,” says UT. said Raghunathan, assistant professor of cardiology at Health Houston’s McGovern Medical School. “Similarly, sleep apnea, which prevents the body from receiving enough oxygen, can also directly lead to the development of atrial fibrillation.”

Most importantly, Raghunathan encourages people to know their risks. Actions include:

• Check your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure
• Stay hydrated
• Add movement to your daily life

“I hope that diet and exercise become a way of life, rather than being seen as just another chore on a woman’s long to-do list,” she added.

AHA has released: New online risk calculator Cardiologists are optimistic about November 2023.dubbing prevent (Events that predict cardiovascular disease risk), predict a patient’s risk of developing a cardiac event. This treatment begins with younger patients (over 30 years of age) and extends over long periods of time up to 30 years of age.

“This is great because previous tools started at age 40 and the 10-year risk of developing heart disease was typically low,” Raghunathan said. “This calculator could potentially enable more permanent lifestyle modifications using data from younger patients over a longer period of time.”

Users enter their health data into an online calculator and receive estimated risks in 10 and 30 years. He focuses on three areas: cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease), and heart failure. Categories relate to heart health, including age, cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure, diabetes status, and smoking.

Raghunathan recommends this online calculator to anyone as a personal awareness tool. Users may also discuss the information with their healthcare provider. This conversation can suggest changes to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

“There has been much discussion about the limitations of previous calculators. We now have a better idea of ​​how to quantify risk with more data and monitoring younger patients over time.” ,” she said.

The relationship between women and heart disease

In 2004, many women thought cardiovascular disease was an older man’s disease, even though cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women.This month marks the 20th anniversary^th anniversary of go red for women. AHA created this campaign to raise awareness and educate women about their risks for heart disease.

Women are more likely to develop heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause affect fat deposition in the heart arteries. It can be difficult to maintain a healthy weight after menopause. Sheila Coogan, MDa vascular surgeon at UT Physicians Heart & Vascular – Bellaire Station and a professor at UT Health Houston’s McGovern School of Medicine, said the cause was loss of muscle mass.

“Good health is not something that is passively given to women as they age,” Coogan says. “I encourage women to take care of themselves. Take up walking, consider yoga, Pilates, or weight training.”

Coogan said women who do this will enjoy a better quality of life and be able to maintain their independence. The simple act of walking has many benefits in addition to heart health. It also prevents leg swelling and reduces the risk of dementia.

“I ask all of my elderly patients who are still enjoying a good quality of life into their 80s and 90s what their secret is,” Coogan said. “They almost all walk three to five miles a day. It could be on a treadmill, at the mall, or in their neighborhood. So, commit to walking three to five miles a day, at least five days a week. let’s.”

Impact of the Go Red for Women campaign

Raghunathan believes the heart disease awareness campaign has made a difference. Women often don’t have their hearts valued, she says. Symptoms in women that indicate heart problems primarily include shortness of breath rather than obvious chest pain.

“I think more women are becoming more aware of their risk for heart disease and taking action sooner than previous generations,” she says.