Ladies, despite an increase in awareness over the past decades, women do not recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 384,186 in 2021 according to a Harvard Research Institute study. Heart disease kills 6 times as many women , as breast cancer every year. 

Here are the top recommendations given to prevent cardiac related death.

• Don’t smoke, QUIT if you do.
• Improve Your Sleep. Avoid caffeinated drinks near bedtime. Limit alcohol to one drink per day. Turn off your computer, cell phone and TV at least an hour before bedtime.
• Exercise/ MOVE Engage in physical activities. At Least 30 minutes of walking every day. Get some way to track yourself, like a Fitbit or watch.
• Maintain a healthy weight. By following a healthy diet. Try to limit saturated fats, foods high in sodium, and added sugars. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH diet is an example of an eating plan that can help you to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, two things that can lower your risk of heart disease.
• Know your numbers, what is your LDL/HDL ratio?  IF you do not know, ASK your healthcare provider and have them explain.
• Control Your Blood Pressure, watch the snacks, processed foods, caffeine and sodas you consume.
• Recognize Symptoms. Women do not present with the same “elephant on the chest” symptoms as men do. Be Aware of any abnormal sensations
• Manage Your Diabetes, if you have been told you have Type 2 diabetes before medication is prescribed monitor, work with your MD to see if you can monitor your food intake to control your A1C
• Take Your Medicines as Directed. Be Honest about any side effects that may cause you to limit or skip prescribed meds. OTC supplements can drastically affect your prescribed meds. Always have ALL cross checked by a pharmacist.

Be a PART of your healthcare team. Be your own best advocate. We all only get one lifetime. Use it well!