By Devon Ziminski
For most collegiettes, February prompts an immediate association with flowers, candy, and of course, hearts. What may not be in the forefront of your minds during this sentimental season of love is heart disease. February is national Heart Disease Awareness month.
The facts: Heart disease affects the blood vessels and cardiovascular system. It can take on many forms including an abnormal rhythm of the heart, heart failure, congestive heart failure and heart valve problems. Many heart problems are associated with atherosclerosis, a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, strains blood flow and can cause a heart attack or stroke.
The risk factors: Unbeknownst to many, heart disease is the number one killer of women in America (more deadly than all forms of cancer combined). The myth that heart disease only affects older men is simply not true as heart disease kills one in three women each year.
Additionally, heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, birth control pills and smoking increase heart disease risks by 20 percent. An unhealthy cholesterol level can also impact heart health. You can be thin and have high cholesterol; thus, the American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, or earlier, if your family has a history of heart disease.
Healthy-living tips: Although the risks associated with heart disease increase with age, there are many precautions you can start taking now to prevent heart complications in the future.
· Don’t smoke, or if you do, make an attempt to quit.
· Lower your cholesterol by working out
· Know your family heart history
· Lose weight
The American Heart Association and its partner organization, Go Red for Women, have been spreading the news about heart disease and its risks for women. To learn more about heart disease or to get involved with the American Heart Association visit http://www.heart.org.
Go Red!