1. Women of Summa: It’s Time for a Heart to Heart Vivian von Gruenigen, BSN, MD Chair Obstetrics and Gynecology Women’s Service Line Director Summa Akron City Hospital
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13. Am I At Risk? If you have any of these risk factors, you are at risk for heart disease.
41. “ Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.” Eleanor Roosevelt
42. Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~ "Oh crap , She's up!“ Email from Aunt Jeanette
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Notas do Editor
Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels ( arteries and veins ). While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system , we usually speak of cardiovascular disease as related to atherosclerosis (plaque buildups in the arteries). [Source: Wikipedia – AHA Science approved]
Heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. The most recent data (from 2004) shows that CVD killed 459,096 women in comparison to 410,628 men. Almost one in three women will die from cardiovascular disease. There are many types of cardiovascular diseases. Over 80 million Americans- or one in three- have one or more of them. Each year about 870,000 people die from them- about 36 percent of all deaths in the United States! Even more important to understand is the fact that heart disease is largely preventable. This presentation will help you assess your risk of heart disease and take action to prevent it. (NCHS. Compressed mortality file: underlying cause of death, 1979 to 2004; http://wonder.cdc.gov/mortSQL.html)
Heart Attacks A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot as shown in this image. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack" where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Heart Attack Warning Signs Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: [Source: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053]
Several factors increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack. The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. And, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk.
A lipoprotein profile gives you information about your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Can you tell me the definition of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides? (Give time to answer then give out and review the cholesterol definition handout). Answers: Total cholesterol is the entire amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood. LDL cholesterol is just part of the total cholesterol. It is the Low Density Lipoprotein that increases risk for heart attack and stroke. HDL cholesterol or High Density Cholesterol is also just part of the total cholesterol, but this type of cholesterol protects you from cardiovascular disease. Triglycerides are blood fats that may also increase your risk for heart disease and stroke if they are high in your blood.
is a condition in which blood pressure levels are above the normal range. Blood pressures of 120-139 mm Hg and/or 80-89 mm Hg are considered prehypertension. Blood pressure is considered high if it is 140 mm Hg and/or 90 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). It may also increase the risk of developing fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis). The risk of heart failure also increases due to the increased workload that high blood pressure places on the heart. About 73 million Americans (and 1 in 3 adults) have high blood pressure, but only 30% know their personal risk. No one knows exactly what causes most cases of high blood pressure. Some people are at higher risk of having high blood pressure. They include: • People with close blood relatives who have HBP • African Americans • People over age 35 • Overweight people • People who aren’t physically active • People who use too much salt • People who drink too much alcohol • People with diabetes, gout or kidney disease • Pregnant women • Women who take birth control pills and who are overweight, had HBP during pregnancy, have a family history of HBP or have mild kidney disease
Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, usually starts early in life. It results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. People with it must take insulin each day to regulate levels of blood glucose (sugar). Type 2 is the most common. About 95 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It most often develops in middle-aged and older adults, and is often linked with obesity and physical inactivity. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t make enough insulin and doesn’t efficiently use the insulin it makes. Who Gets Diabetes Diabetes is increasing. This is because more people are obese, don’t get enough physical activity and are getting older. However, many younger people are developing diabetes at an alarming rate. This is probably because obesity and lack of physical activity are increasing problems for this group, too. People in several ethnic groups seem to be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes: • Hispanics • African Americans • Native Americans • Asians (especially South Asians) • Control your weight and blood cholesterol with a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet. • If you take medicine, take it exactly as directed. Specific medicines may help you control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. Your doctor will advise you if one is right for you. If you have questions about the dosage or side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Additional Talking Points on Diabetes: Insulin and Diabetes Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. This happens because the hormone insulin converts sugar and other food into energy and helps glucose get into our bodies’ cells. When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugars to build up too high in your blood. [Source: GRFW Know Your Risk Fact Sheet, Diabetes, Content approved by AHA Science 9/07]
Being overweight is another risk factor for heart disease. More than 142 million American adults are overweight. Of these, nearly 67 million are considered obese. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke, even if they have no other risk factors. Excess weight puts more strain on your heart. It can raise blood pressure and blood cholesterol and can lead to diabetes. Losing weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart problems and other diseases. Prepare yourself by setting goals and deciding how to deal with potential roadblocks. It’s never wise to follow fad diets, starve yourself or try to lose weight too fast. Remember, you didn’t become overweight overnight. It’s important to make changes over the long term and not get discouraged by setbacks. Start by changing your eating habits and working physical activity into your daily routine. Keeping extra weight off can be as challenging as losing it.
It’s all a matter of math
Smoking cigarettes is the most preventable major risk factor of our No. 1 killer —It’s never too late to quit! No matter how much or how long you’ve smoked, when you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop. In time your risk will be about the same as if you’d never smoked. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s worth it! Quitting will drastically reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel diseases. It will also lower your chance of having lung disease and cancer. Most of all, quitting can save your life and the lives of nonsmokers around you.
Reducing Your Heart Disease and Stroke Risk You can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are some key steps you can take: • Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt. • Keep your weight under control. • Be physically active at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week. Don’t smoke, and avoid other people’s tobacco smoke. • Lower your blood pressure if you need to. Treat high blood pressure if you have it. • Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. • Get regular medical check-ups. • Follow your doctor’s orders for taking medicine. [Source: GRFW Know Your Fact Sheet, Heart Disease and Stroke, AHA Science Review complete 9/07]