Posted by Greater Sudbury Northern Life 
February is heart month, so it is fitting we discuss this
recognized disease in our community. Sadly enough, cardiac
disease remains the number one killer in Canada with 62 per
cent of Canadians having one or more risk factors. In our
community, the disease rate is 30 per cent above the provincial
average. 
In the past, for women, heart disease has not been widely
appreciated. So what are women's risks? Well, not unlike their
male counterparts - weight issues, low physical activity, high
blood pressure (four times risk), and diabetes (five times
risk).
There are, however, some challenges women present that are
different than men. Structurally, the heart has physical
differences between men and women making some tests and
treatment less effective for women. One in three women, who has
had a previous heart attack, has an even higher risk for a
second heart attack and increased risk of death post heart
attack (within 30 days). She also has an increased risk of
depression and may have difficulty making lifestyle changes -
life balance. Women often feel torn between juggling housework,
work, and family care giving for either kids or elderly.
Socially, if there is no support, women suffer. Women want to
keep up appearance and function without burdening family.
Because of these issues, many do not access rehabilitation
services.
Women are also more likely to present with unstable angina
(chest pain). Women experience atypical symptoms than men, such
as vague chest discomfort, rather than sharp pain or tightness
often causing delayed diagnosis and treatment. Typical symptoms
include: chest pain presenting as tightness, discomfort,
crushing pain, heaviness, pressure, squeezing, fullness, and
/or burning. Referred pain presents from the chest, down one or
both arms, to neck, jaw or shoulders/back. Shortness of breath
and palpitations are also possible. Paleness, sweating,
weakness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, anxiety, fear or
denial could be suggestive of heart disease and should be
investigated.
Again, women tend to present to hospital later after the onset
of symptoms, wait longer for initiation of treatment, are less
likely to receive treatment and less likely to be admitted.
Women are more likely concerned with not "troubling others"
when considering accessing health care. Women have been studied
and shown to have higher pain threshold, therefore "waiting it
out." Silent or unrecognized heart attacks are observed in
women more often than men. 
So, you are probably thinking what can we do? Lifestyle
modification is so important. Research states, 90 per cent of
first heart attacks are related to controllable risk factors.
Specifically, making time for you is important to health
maintenance and recovery after a heart attack. Women, like men,
have to take time from stressful commitments without feeling
guilty.
Women have been studied and shown to have higher pain threshold, therefore "waiting it out." Silent or unrecognized heart attacks are observed in women more often than men.
Changing habits to support health and wellness need to be
taken as seriously as taking your medication prescription.
Eliminate all processed foods from your cupboard, and start
over. Cook and bake with whole foods. Eat more fresh fruit,
legumes, vegetables, beans, grains and nuts. Substitute olive
oil for butter, margarine and salad dressings. Avoid fried
foods. Example of a balanced snack: Cottage cheese with fruit
and slivered almonds.
Choose fish and poultry over red meat. Cut out sugary sweets.
Exercise regularly - walk more. Drink water. Add Omega 3 fatty
acids to your health regime.
Remember, "If it is to be - it is up to me." Be selfish and
take care of yourselves ladies. The facts are facts, but your
lifestyle choices will determine your health.
Karen Hourtovenko RN(EC), is a health and wellness consultant from Sudbury who writes columns about healthy living for Northern Life.
