Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD, is the number one killer of
men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Cardiovascular
diseases include such ailments as high blood pressure, arrythmia, valve
disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. Though worries of more
"high profile" diseases such as breast cancer are on the forefront in
many women's minds, the hard truth is that one in four women are
affected with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD, is the number one killer of
men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Cardiovascular
diseases include such ailments as high blood pressure, arrythmia, valve
disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. Though worries of more
"high profile" diseases such as breast cancer are on the forefront in
many women's minds, the hard truth is that one in four women are
affected with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Altering your lifestyle can help to lower your chances for
cardiovascular diseases. Such alterations as eating a diet that is low
in fat and cholesterol, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet,
drinking enough water daily, and exercising for half an hour a day are
all ways that physicians suggest can assist in lowering your chances
for cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular diseases are known as silent killers, as they often have
no symptoms. If you think you may be having any symptoms of heart
disease, you should speak to your doctor about the many tests
available. Doctors often begin with simple tests, the results of which
can lead to tests that are more complex.
In connection with cardiovascular disease are "extra" heartbeats, which
typically happen when there is an irritation in the lower part of the
heart's pumping chambers. They interrupt the normal heart rhythm, which
can feel like a missed beat. This can actually be a harmless "quirk" of
your body's functions, or can lead to problems that are far more
serious.
If a woman has these palpitations or any other symptoms such as
dizziness, blurred vision, or shortness of breath, she should contact
her doctor right away. A complete medical history, physical exam, and
other tests will be run to determine the cause of these behaviors,
which can be anything from stress-related behavior to something far
more dangerous. The advice and consultation of a physician where heart
disease is concerned is the only way to go.
