Healthy Resources

North Cascade Cardiology believes in the importance of patient-centered care. Whenever possible we strive to focus on the individual needs of our patients rather than the needs of the system itself. We are working to provide you with informational resources to assist you in maintaining and improving your health.

Creating a Circle of Prevention for Women

Lisa Wallis, ARNP
September 9, 2008

We all have thought of the heart as a symbol of love, friendship, and hope. It has been depicted in art, discussed in literature and dramatized in theater throughout the history of mankind. In reality, the heart is a strong muscular organ that indeed is very powerful at the center of our human existence. It has many manly characteristics including valves, pipes, chambers and an electrical system.  The heart is actually not very cute or pretty – but certainly should be cared for with love.

Historically heart disease has been thought of as a disease of men. But in reality, women die of heart disease more frequently than men. Indeed, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, accounting for 1/3 of all deaths. More than 500,000 women die of it per year, and 38.2 million women live with cardiovascular disease.  Sadly, 38% of women die within one year of suffering a heart attack. While men’s survival after a heart attack continues to improve, women’s survival rate has not.

Despite these grim statistics, only 25% of women have had their cholesterol checked!  Conversely, women are highly aware of their reproductive health. In the past three years, 87% of women have had a PAP smear, and 79% have had a mammogram. There exists a healthy fear of breast or uterine cancer despite the reality that more women will die of heart disease than all of the top cancers combined. 

The HIGHEST RISK factors for heart disease include diabetes, known vascular disease or kidney disease. Women who are thought AT RISK include  those who are physically inactive, smoke cigarettes, have a significant family history of premature cardiovascular disease, have poor diet habits, or have known hypertension or high cholesterol. Those who choose a heart healthy lifestyle and have no other risk factors are considered to be at OPTIMAL RISK.

The keys to a heart healthy lifestyle are simple and fun. The goal is to exercise 30 minutes 7 days a week, or more than 150 minutes a week. Pant and sweat! A good heart healthy diet includes five servings of fruit or vegetables a day, in addition to the avoidance of salty or fatty foods. Your BMI [body mass index – ratio of weight to height] should be less than 25 and your female waist circumference should be less than 35 inches [40 inches for you men]. If you can do these things you will reduce your chronological age by 14 years! An annual flu shot also helps to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Smoking women undergo menopause 2 years earlier than non-smokers, and smokers are more prone to flushing. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and blocked blood vessels in the legs. People who stop smoking will reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke to normal in five years. New therapies are available to help you quit! Just ask.

If you do have diabetes, pay attention and don’t be afraid to treat it. Be more afraid of untreated high blood sugars which ravages the body head to toe. Did you know that by virtue of being diabetic, we consider you to have cardiovascular disease?  All diabetics should take a cholesterol medicine like Lipitor, Zocor, or simvastatin.

High blood pressure is the major risk factor for premature heart disease and is the most common and important risk factor for stroke. Heart failure due to high blood pressure is more prevalent in women than in men. High blood pressure causes the heart to become stiff and large over time. It is also hard on the kidneys as well as the entire body.

The goal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Most women require 2 -4 medicines to control their blood pressure. The risk of having high blood pressure after the age of 55 is 90%. Good grief! 

Many women wonder when they should start aspirin therapy. It is not currently recommended for healthy women under the age of 65. If you are diabetic, start it at age 40. If you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, follow the recommendations of your health care provider, it is probably is indicated and safe.

Hormone replacement therapy has remained controversial due to its link with cardiovascular disease and some cancers.  The current guidelines recommend the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest amount of time. Mild symptoms should be treated with lifestyle changes. Attempting to wean off of hormone therapy every six to twelve months is encouraged. Estrogen should be avoided in women who are at high risk or have a history of cardiovascular disease.

The thyroid affects the ability of the heart to squeeze and relax. It also affects the heart’s electrical system and our blood pressures. The thyroid actually affects every cell in our body. It is very important for the heart and blood vessels that thyroid disease is managed properly.

Women usually present differently with heart disease than men. Recognizing symptoms is very important because TIME = MUSCLE when there is a heart attack. Women often present with shortness of breath, chest tightness, pain in the upper jaw or neck, fatigue or a feeling of anxiety. If in doubt, get checked out. Expect your health care provider to listen!

Women should expect honest discussion from their health care team as well as early screening and treatment. More importantly, they should focus on a heart healthy lifestyle. We at North Cascade Cardiology would rather prevent heart disease than treat it!

North Cascade Cardiology offers a full complement of first-rate cardiovascular services, utilizing the latest technologies and advances in treatment. The 13- member medical practice is nationally recognized in specialized vascular cardiac care and state-of-the-art procedures. The practice has clinics in Bellingham, WA, Friday Harbor, WA, Eastsound, WA and Ketchikan, AK.

To schedule an appointment in any of our clinics, call (360) 734-2700 or Toll Free: (888) 739-2700, and select "Option Three."

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