Women face distinct risk factors, such as high cholesterol and hormone changes, that can lead to heart disease. A sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices may also contribute to heart issues. Regular cardiovascular check-ups help you stay proactive in women’s heart health and prevent disease. Here are ways to prevent heart disease in women:
Attend Cardiac Screenings
Attending cardiac screenings helps you stay informed about women’s heart health. Screenings often include tests like a stress test to monitor your heart’s function. A stress test measures how your heart responds to physical activity. Results help a cardiologist determine if you are at risk of or experiencing heart disease.
After a screening, your doctor may prescribe medications to prevent or regulate your disease. Some medications may lower your blood pressure or cholesterol or slow down plaque buildup. Your doctor may also recommend regular exercise, diet adjustments, or alternate medications to minimize the effects of heart disease. It is beneficial to stay consistent with these measures to support recovery initiatives.
Use Mobile Cardiac Telemetry
Cardiologists use Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT) to record the heart’s electrical activity for a specific period of time. It monitors abnormal heart rhythms or other irregularities that could indicate potential heart complications. Some MCT heart monitors are attached to the chest with adhesive patches, while others can be implanted under the skin. These monitors allow doctors to understand your heart’s behavior. A cardiologist reviews the data gathered from the MCT to determine a treatment plan to keep your heart healthy.
Exercise More Often
Physical exercise strengthens heart muscles and improves blood circulation, which is especially beneficial for patients with coronary heart disease. Exercise can also help lower blood pressure, raise good cholesterol levels, and reduce CRP, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Aerobic exercises like walking at a fast pace, swimming, cycling, or dancing can help achieve heart health targets.
To prevent muscle injuries, begin exercising gently and gradually increase the level and duration of exercise. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each week, and increase this minimum over time. Ask your doctor about which activities are best for you.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping between 7 and 9 hours provides your body time to rest, regenerate, and heal, including your heart and blood vessels. During sleep, your heart rate rises and falls, and your blood pressure is variable. These natural changes are good for cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep may result in an increased risk of stroke, hardened arteries, CRP, and heart disease.
Develop a regular sleep schedule, including going to bed and waking up at consistent times. Turn off room lights and refrain from using a television or computer for an hour before sleeping. These practices help the body transition into sleep, promoting healing.
Manage Your Mental Well-Being
Stress or anxiety can contribute to high blood pressure or increase other heart disease risk factors. Identifying situations that cause these emotions can help you reduce their impact, promoting heart health. When stressed or anxious, seek activities that promote relaxation and restore blood pressure to healthy levels. You may also benefit from a stress management program, meditation, or speaking with a professional counselor.
Advocate for Women’s Heart Health
Regular cardiac check-ups help you detect heart problems early, allowing for timely intervention. Doctors may schedule echocardiograms, blood tests, or chest X-rays to monitor heart activity and risks, especially if you have a genetic history of heart disease. Implementing doctor-recommended lifestyle changes also aid with heart disease prevention. Support your heart health by scheduling a consultation with a cardiologist today.
