Being proactive about women’s heart health can improve and even save lives
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. women. This might seem bleak, but the good news is that heart disease is preventable for most patients. Taking steps now to protect women’s heart health can promote future cardiovascular wellness.
Hill Country OB/GYN Associates is here to support every aspect of women’s health. From annual well-woman exams to prenatal care, we care for women at every age and stage. This means our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs can help you keep your heart healthy.
What are risks to women’s heart health?
High cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity can all cause heart disease in both women and men. However, some issues are more likely to increase the risk of heart disease in female patients.
Being a smoker comes with a higher risk of heart disease for women than for men.
Stress and depression may impact women’s heart health more than men’s.
Menopause causes low estrogen, which can lead to small vessel heart disease.
Pregnancy complications can increase a woman’s risk of heart problems later.
Early heart disease in the family may affect women more than men.
Diabetes and some autoimmune diseases may make women more susceptible to heart issues than men.
Additionally, not getting enough physical activity can harm women’s heart health.
While you can’t control your family history or avoid menopause, you can still prevent heart disease in women.
How do you prevent heart disease in women?
Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs believe that women’s heart health matters. As a result, we offer routine screenings during your annual well-woman exam. Screenings range from blood pressure checks and bloodwork to heart health risk assessments.
We can also make referrals to experienced cardiologists if you’re experiencing problems.
Not only that, but our OBGYNs can also offer tips to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Living a healthy lifestyle is a great starting point, and it involves the following steps.
Stop smoking or using tobacco, while also limiting alcohol use.
Eat a diet that contains whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats.
Reduce salt and sugar intake, while avoiding saturated and trans fats.
Get regular physical activity to achieve and maintain a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9).
Manage stress through mindfulness, therapy and support groups.
Aim to sleep seven to nine hours per night.
It can also be helpful to control issues like high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The above lifestyle changes, and sometimes medications, can help you do so.
If you have more questions about heart health in women, we invite you to contact us for an appointment. Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs are here to support your heart health.