5 Tips for a Healthier Heart

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February is American Heart Month and there's a lot women need to know. We asked leading cardiologist Stephanie Moore of Massachusetts General Hospital for 5 simple things women need to know for a healthier heart.

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1. Know the Facts.
a. Cardiovascular Disease ( CVD) ranks first among all disease categories in hospital discharges for women.
b. 37% of all female deaths in America occur from CVD, which includes Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and stroke.
c. More women than men die of stroke.
d. CVD is a particular problem for minority women.The death rate is substantially higher in black women than white women.

2. CVD is preventable.
1. 30 mins of exercise 5 days /week
2. Goal Blood pressure <120/80 mmHG
3. Total Cholesterol <200 mg/dl good cholesterol HDL >45 mg/dl
4. No smoking
5. Goal fasting blood sugar < 100 mg/dl

3. Diagnosis of heart disease presents a greater challenge for women than in men.
Symptoms can be very atypical.
The underlined below are non -distinct and more typical in females:
Chest pressure, pain, nausea, jaw pain, shortness of breath, fatique

4. Lack of awareness is a problem.

Only 13% of women are aware that heart disease is the number one killer of women or that stroke is a major cause of death or disability in women.

5. Go to The American Heart Associations' site: www.goredforwomen.org. Take the Go Red checkup to assess your heart health!!

StephanieMoore Stephanie Moore, MD, is a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is board certified in Internal Medicine as well as Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Massachusetts General Hospital also has a cardiac center devoted to women's health. For more on the Corrigan Women's Heart Health Program, click here.

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