I’m well aware of women’s heart disease. Back when nsshere was 4, she had open heart surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. She came through it just fine: the only residual effect is the scar, and a need to take antibiotics before dental work. We later figured out that the defect may have been due to gf_guruilla’s Celiac Disease, but there is no proof. It was detected by an alert doctor who heard a heart murmur during a checkup.
Here are some points to remember (adapted from Margalit):
- More women have heart disease than receive treatment for breast cancer (read their stories).
- Because heart disease is silent for so long, you can walk around with a heart problem and not know until it is too late. Because of this, you should be regularly checked.
- Do the right thing: Keep your blood pressure and cholesteral low. Know your numbers. Take medications as appropriate.
- Know the warning signs of heart problems, cardiac arrest, or stroke.
- Remember that congenital heart defects are on the rise among both children and adults.
- Know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women (and men), but it can be prevented.
So, I encourage you to visit the web sites I linked. Take care of yourself and your heart. Get some cardiovascular exercise, be aware of your risk factors, and move to healthy eating if you don’t do so already. It will be your life you will save, and your family and friends will be thankful you are still here.
