Cardiovascular Disease and Women

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Cardiovascular disease
also known as CVD
is the number one killer of men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Cardiovascular diseases include such ailments as high blood pressure
arrythmia
valve disease
congestive heart failure and stroke. Though worries of more "high profile" diseases such as breast cancer are on the forefront in many women's minds
the hard truth is that one in four women are affected with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are things such as high blood pressure
obesity
abnormal blood glucose
and even the use of tobacco
among other factors. When caught at an early age
these risk factors can be muted to help prevent manifesting themselves as cardiovascular disease later on.

Altering your lifestyle can help to lower your chances for cardiovascular diseases. Such alterations as eating a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol
adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet
drinking enough water daily
and exercising for half an hour a day are all ways that physicians suggest can assist in lowering your chances for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are known as silent killers
as they often have no symptoms. If you think you may be having any symptoms of heart disease
you should speak to your doctor about the many tests available. Doctors often begin with simple tests
the results of which can lead to tests that are more complex.

In connection with cardiovascular disease are "extra" heartbeats
which typically happen when there is an irritation in the lower part of the heart's pumping chambers. They interrupt the normal heart rhythm
which can feel like a missed beat. This can actually be a harmless "quirk" of your body's functions
or can lead to problems that are far more serious.

If a woman has these palpitations or any other symptoms such as dizziness
blurred vision
or shortness of breath
she should contact her doctor right away. A complete medical history
physical exam
and other tests will be run to determine the cause of these behaviors
which can be anything from stress-related behavior to something far more dangerous. The advice and consultation of a physician where heart disease is concerned is the only way to go.

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