www.womanthismonth.com 69 June 2014 triglycerides — has a greater impact on women than men,” says Dr Saad. Other factors like depression, smoking and lack of physical activity all contribute to heart trouble in women. The symptoms of a heart attack between men and women greatly differ. Women may not experience the clichéd gripping chest pain associated with heart attacks. They are more likely to have symptoms such as discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdomen. There might also be shortness of breath, pain in the right arm, nausea/vomiting, sweating, dizziness and unusual fatigue. Prevention and Management Our Expert: Dr Amany Serag, consultant cardiologist, International Hospital Bahrain Although heart troubles are more likely to hit women after menopause, Dr Amany advocates taking preventive steps much earlier. “From the start, women must watch their weight and maintain an ideal body mass index of below 25. For this, the DASH lifestyle is imperative,” says Dr Amany. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan is a heart-healthy lifestyle plan centred on reaching and maintaining a healthy weight by reducing fat and salt intake, increasing regular exercise, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake. Along with making healthy dietary choices, regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy ticker. Any form of cardio goes a long way to keep the heart healthy; it could be as simple as brisk walking or swimming. “Exercising for 15 to 20 minutes every day is more beneficial than exercising for an hour per week,” Dr Amany explains. It is a myth that cardiovascular diseases are hereditary. Cases in women are on the rise due to lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diabetes and high levels of stress. In any case, women must consciously aim to maintain their BMI below 25, waist-to-hip ratio below 0.9, blood pressure below 120/180 and triglycerides below 150 as these are major risk factors for heart disease. “Women must take their health seriously. A lot of them say that they work a lot at home or walk in the mall, but that definitely does not count as exercise,” says Dr Amany. “Early diagnosis of heart troubles helps save lives. Even something as minor as jaw pain should not be ignored. It could be a warning sign to an underlying heart problem.” Secondary prevention comes into play for those already diagnosed with heart disease. Besides regular medical follow-ups and taking medications as prescribed, it is a must to inform the doctor of any new symptoms that may be experienced. The DASH plan should be followed, with a nutritious diet replete with natural foods and eliminating processed foods laden with saturated fats, sugar and salt. Smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided for secondary prevention. As part of their rehabilitation programme, heart patients must exercise regularly under the guidance of a physiotherapist, but steer clear of lifting weights, competitive sports and any strenuous physical activities. Dr Amany cautions against hormonal medications for women. Doctors do not prefer to prescribe oral contraceptives to women over 35 years with a family history of heart disease. Similarly, high doses of hormonal therapy taken to cope with menopause over a long time also increase the risk of heart problems. Heart Attack SOS Our Expert: Dr DT Subhash, consultant cardiologist, Ibn Al Nafees Hospital During a heart attack, the lack of blood flow results in the death of heart muscles, rendering that particular area of the heart dysfunctional. “Immediate medical care is paramount for the victim. Every minute counts,” says Dr Subhash. “Symptoms should never be dismissed as indigestion out of doubt. It is worth getting them checked even if it is a false alarm.” It is imperative to remove the blockage from the artery and to re-establish the blood flow ideally within an hour of attack symptoms. The longer the time between the attack and treatment, the lesser the chances for the dead heart muscles to be restored. While waiting for medical aid, the administration of clot-busting medication, like aspirin, can be a potential life-saver and stave off irreparable heart damage. “Aspirin is a small, low-cost medicine, but it very effective in the event of a heart attack. High risk patients must have it at hand at all times,” the expert adds. Better knowledge and a few good changes can keep your heart feeling its very best. A common misconception is that heart disease is a man’s illness
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