I went across Google searching on why heart attack hits women and how we can avoid it. Frankly I have never heard of a heart attack in women of such a young age. My family has seen 2 major heart attack deaths and 1 disabling major attack on a close relative. Believe it or not, heart attack is the major killer across the world..DO NOT take this lightly.
I downloaded a Heart Health Handbook from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/hhw/index.htm) and I am quoting a few passages from this book that I felt were very important:
One reason some women aren’t too concerned about heart disease is that they think it can be "cured" with surgery. This is a myth. Heart disease is a lifelong condition—once you get it,you’ll always have it. True, procedures such as bypass surgery and angioplasty can help blood and oxygen flow to the heart more easily. But the arteries remain damaged, which means you are more likely to have a heart attack.What’s more, the condition of your blood vessels will steadily worsen unless you make changes in your daily habits. Many women die of complications from heart disease or become permanently disabled. That’s why it is so vital to take action to prevent and control this disease
Tests That Can Help Protect Your Heart Health
1) Lipoprotein Profile
2) Blood Pressure
3) Fasting Plasma Glucose
4) Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference
5) Stresstest, an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
The book says that it best to do the tests, once in 2 years..But you never know when a disaster can hit. Most companies have a tie up with hospitals for complete health checkup packages. Check with your HR if they have something in place and do an Annual checkup with your family. Listen to your body and your gut feeling.. Do not ignore any symptom that your body is giving you. Better to be safe than sorry. The doctor might think you are paranoid..So what?? Your family will be thankful to you for being paranoid.
Indian Women take a step back when it comes to their health...You have a family to take care of. Do NOT ignore your health. Find the time to be physically active.
Making Opportunities
Getting regular physical activity can be easy—especially if you take advantage of everyday opportunities to move around. For example:
■If you live in an apartment or your office is on the second or third floor, use the stairs—both up and down—instead of elevators. Start with one flight of stairs and gradually build up to more. That is equivalent to training on the elliptical trainer in a gym!!
■Park a few blocks away from the office or store and walk the rest ofthe way. If you take public transportation, get off a stop or two early and walk a few blocks. Instead of depending on the man in the house to do the shopping, go out and do the shopping yourself. Get the grocery bags home yourself instead of making someone else deliver it for you. You will be unconciously doing some weight lifting exercises that way! Your family will be proud of you as well!
■Instead of eating that gulab jamun or that chat, take a brisk stroll around the neighborhood and have a fruit instead! Socialize with people! Talk to everyone (rich or poor, ugly or beautiful)...That is good for your heart! People will know you..When disaster hits, these people you socialized with, will be around to help you!!
■Do housework or garden work at a more vigorous pace.Get rid of that house maid and do the house work yourself!!I am pregnant now and I still do the house work. It flexes your muscles and burns that extra calories without pinching your pocket ;)!!
■Keep moving while you watch TV. Lift hand weights, do some gentle yoga stretches, or pedal an exercise bike.
■Spend less time watching TV and using the computer.
■Take a movement break in the middle of the day. Get up and stretch, walk around, and give your muscles and mind a chance to relax.
When a woman takes care of her health, she teaches her whole family to take care of their health.
Set a good example for other members:
- Adults have a big influence on children’s and teens’ behavior—even though kids may not want to admit it! If you follow a healthy lifestyle, younger family members will be more likely to do the same. Let them see you eating nutritious snacks and enjoying outdoor activities. Invite them to join you.
- Raise "kitchen kids." Show young children how to clean fruits and veggies and combine them into salads. When they are old enough, teach them to use the cooktop, oven,microwave, and toaster safely. Show teens how to make simple,healthy dishes. Children who have basic cooking skills appreciate food more and are more likely to try new dishes.
- Get them moving. Encourage your kids or grandkids to get some exercise throughout the day and especially on weekends.Go on outings with them that involve activities such as hiking. Walk or jog with them to places close by. Use your backyard or local park for basketball,baseball, football, badminton, or volleyball.
Diet wise.
A special eating plan called "DASH" can help you lower your blood pressure. DASH stands for "Dietary Approachesto Stop Hypertension."
Eat healthy. Have fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, whole-grain products, fish, poultry,beans, seeds, and nuts. The DASH eating plan also contains less salt/sodium, sweets, added sugars, sugar containing beverages,fats, and red meats.
This heart healthy way of eating is lower in saturated fat, and cholesterol, and is rich in nutrients that are associated with lowering blood pressure—mainly potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein, and fiber. If you follow the DASH eating plan and also consume less sodium,you are likely to reduce your blood pressure even more. Sodium is a substance that affects blood pressure and is the main ingredient in salt.
Step up for yourself and take care of your body! If you fall sick, the whole family suffers!