Heart disease is the number one cause of death of women across the United States, and according to research by the American Heart Association, women are at higher risk than men for heart conditions or any disease associated to it – but many people still believe that heart disease is a man’s illness. This is the reason why many women skip the signs that could diagnose heart disease when it comes with heart health.
Many, women can improve their health and understanding, but many don’t have the opportunity to be well-informed. Well, based on the most common misunderstandings we have listed below top mistakes to avoid to keep your heart health in place and also keep your heart pumping strong:
1. Underestimating the Effects of Stress
We now live in a fast-paced world, and stress is sure part of our daily lives, but a study of 82,000 women shows that women tend to develop heart disease12 times more due to high levels of stress and stressful events. Stress triggers heart health risks like high blood pressure, and events like the death of a loved one or abuse can even do more than damage to your heart health than you could imagine. This is why women need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and also find ways to cope with stress.
2. Taking Birth Control Pills and Smoking
Well, we don’t have to talk more about the side effects of smoking as it is hazardous for one’s hearth; but taking birth control pills and smoking at the same time can increase your risk of hearth attack and stroke. It is, even more, worse for women that are above 35 – but the good news is that you can reduce your risk of heart disease by 80% in just a year.
3. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Its just a few glasses of wine anyway – but that few glasses can add up to an increased risk for heart disease. Research shows that the average and recommended quantity of wine a woman should take a day is one glass. Excess alcohol for women can lead to high obesity, increased cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.
4. Not Getting Enough Exercise
When discussing the benefits of exercise, there is no way hearth health won’t be talked about. Exercise is very beneficial, especially for women and one big issue is that many women don’t tend to get much-needed exercise. Taking 30 minutes of exercise at least is the minimum amount of exercise to keep your heart healthy.
5. Forgetting to Ask Your Doctor Questions
Not talking to doctors is one mistake woman tends to make (especially those that have a family history of heart problems). Talk to your doctor and ask them questions about risk factors, inquire about tests that can determine your risk, and get advice on you can keep your heart healthy.
