Heart Health tips for women

The average life expectancy for women in the U.S. is about 81 years, but there is no reason why you can’t live longer or healthier—if you take care of yourself and listen to your body.

Oakwood Dr. Karen Plymel says annual check-ups are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as are increased screenings for issues like cardiac disease and cancer—two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. today.

“You need someone you can establish a rapport with, so you can feel comfortable discussing all your health issues,” she said.

And, she added, you need your health care provider to listen with you. Beginning at age 20, you should have annual heart health screenings that measure things like your blood pressure, weight and body mass index, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. How often after that will depend on those initial results and your risk factors, she said.

You should have your blood pressure and weight measured annually, and have a discussion about your activity, diet and any smoking habits. Blood glucose levels can be tested every three years, unless you show fasting levels above 100 mg/dl and cholesterol can be tested every five years unless your combined cholesterol readings are above 200 mg/dl.  You’ll also need more regular screenings as you get older. After age 65, for example, women have a higher risk of high blood pressure than men.

Risk factors for heart disease include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol , physical inactivity, smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, age, and family history.

“Most of the risk factors are controllable,” said Dr. Plymel.

Strive for at least 30 minutes of activity five times a week and a diet that is filled with lean proteins, grains and vegetables and includes a limited amount of red meat. You should also maintain a healthy weight—and that is more than just a number; your health care provider can help you determine what is considered a healthy weight for you.

Regular check-ups and screenings are important, but you need to pay attention to yourself between them. Take note of thins like changes in skin tone or color, moles, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, fever, fatigue or changes in your bowels, bladder or breasts.

“Persistency is a key indicator,” Dr. Plymel said. “If it’s persistent—if it doesn’t go away, you should see somebody. You need to listen to your body.”