Heart Health Precautions Every Woman Should Take
KNOW YOUR RISK?
Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously. Those under the age of 65, and especially those with a family history of heart disease, need to pay close attention to the risk factors. Smoking is another contributing risk for heart disease more so in women than in men, so either quit or don’t start this unhealthy habit.
ARE YOU A HEALTHY WEIGHT?
With well over half of our nation’s population being overweight or obese, the harsh reality is that it increases your chances of developing heart disease. Rather than focusing on the number on the scales, visit your doctor for some basic measurements, including a waist circumference This can give you a better idea of where you sit in terms of your weight and overall health.
DO YOU SUPPLEMENT?
You’ve probably heard about Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10), a naturally occurring antioxidant in your body, but you may not have heard of Ubiquinol, the active (more easily absorbed) form of CoQ10, responsible for providing your cells with energy. According to research Ubiquinol has also been shown to assist in maintaining healthy levels of LDL cholesterol. If you have a predisposition to heart disease, or you are taking statin medication for high LDL cholesterol levels, then speak to your doctor about Ubiquinol supplementation.
ARE YOU STRESSED?
Mental stress and depression affect women’s hearts more than men’s. Many people write off the effects that stress and anxiety can have on our health, but your emotional health should be taken seriously- just as seriously as our physical health. According to doctors, stress triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which impact your blood pressure and heart rate.
ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH EXERCISE?
A lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for heart disease, and as a group, women tend to be less active than men. Exercise has incredible benefits not only for your weight and mental health, but specifically for your heart. Cardio exercises in particular can lower blood pressure and strengthen your heart, as you slowly increase your cardiovascular endurance. Find something you enjoy, whether it be power-walking, swimming, boxing or even dancing, and just aim to move and increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, every day if possible.