Heart health

February is National Heart Health Month, and we want to talk about something that truly matters — your ❤️.

The scary truth:Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Full stop.

One in five women will die from a heart attack, claiming many more lives than breast cancer; in fact all cancers combined.

Here’s what you need to know

Most people are familiar with the classic heart attack symptom such as crushing chest pain radiating down your arm. And yes, while both men and women can experience this, what is alarming is that women don’t know that they may experience very different symptoms.

For a woman heart attack symptoms can be subtle, confusing, slow and prolonged, and therefore easy to dismiss. Symptoms are often mistaken for stress, anxiety, muscle pain — or even the flu.

Because of this, treatment is often delayed. Research shows that women wait longer to go to the emergency room to be evaluated and once there, are less likely to receive an EKG.

According to Dr. Jennifer Haythe, a  NY Presbyterian physician, “sometimes women need to make their voices heard when their needs aren’t getting met,” They can say, “I’ve noticed that I’m more short of breath and I’m worried about my heart. I want my heart to be evaluated.”

Heart disease can develop silently even if you are healthy and fit. This is why it is important to know YOUR personal risk factors, think about your heart health and get evaluated regularly. Keep in mind that women in perimenopause and menopause, who are losing estrogen, may notice an increase in their LDL which is one of many risk factors. This is because estrogen provides important cardiovascular protection such as keeping LDL low as well relaxing the arteries and reducing inflammation.

Atypical Heart Attack Symptoms (More Common in Women)

If something doesn’t feel right — seek medical attention immediately.Don’t worry about being a burden. Don’t assume it’s the flu. Don’t talk yourself out of it.

Stay connected to your body. Know what feels normal for you — and trust yourself when something feels off. Better safe than sorry.

Here are steps you can take today

• Eat a heart-healthy diet.The HN Real Food Re-Boot teaches you how to eat and move in a way that supports lifelong heart health — and it’s easier than you think.👉 Check it out here

  
  

• Know the heart disease risk factors and how to control them: high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Manage stress intentionally.Do less. Go outdoors. Plan downtime.Try our favorite breathing exercise: With your mouth closed, breathe in through your nose for 5 counts, hold for 5 counts, and exhale for 5 counts. Repeat 3 times.

• Move your body and exercise every day Create a doable plan. And if you spend long periods sitting at a desk, be sure to get up and move throughout the day. If you’re looking for something more structured, check out Lisa’s classes.👉 energianewyork

• Prioritize sleep.Consistent sleep restores, renews, and protects your heart.

• Schedule your yearly physical and talk to your doctor about your heart health.

• Ask your doctor for a coronary calcium test.You can also self-order testing at Quest, including:– Advanced Heart Health test with ApoB– High-Risk Heart Health panel with Lp(a)

• Talk with your gynecologist to find out if hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial to you.

• Consider high quality Omega 3 supplements to support your heart (1 to 4 mg. a day). Use this FULLSCRIPT link to shop for your supplements and receive our exclusive discount.

  
  

  Your heart works hard for you every single second of the day.

  Let’s take care of it — together.