Heart disease risk factors include those that can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medications, and those that can’t be controlled, such as family history of heart disease and age (55 and older for women). Controllable risk factors include smoking, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity and diabetes. This is not new information and if questioned, most women could probably name the risk factors. Studies show that black women have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke than white women. Death due to heart disease is about two-thirds higher among black women than among white women.

Published research, medical journal circulations and other literature report that black women are less likely to receive appropriate treatment and care for their condition. Therefore, black women must take control of their lives and health information. For example, black women were 10% less likely to get aspirin and 27% less likely to get statins for cholesterol. The fact that black women have higher rates of hypertension, high blood cholesterol, overweight, obesity and diabetes puts them at increased risk for heart disease. Some of the same risk factors place women at a higher risk for stroke, a preventable and treatable accident. Nearly 60 million Americans, 29 million women-high blood pressure and almost one third do not even know it.

Women in general can take certain measures to help reduce the risks of having a heart attack and dying. Adhering to heart health tips can help save lives. First, make a conscious effort to know your risk factors for heart disease, and then do something about them. Increasing physical activity a little each day is a good place to begin. Get moving until you reach an effective age appropriate exercise level.   Ask specific questions concerning your personal health at each doctor visit. If you have questions before the next doctor visit, don’t wait. Call the office or contact one of many available resources to get health information. Shands Jacksonville has disparity clinics located in communities with high rates of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Staff is available Monday through Friday to provide free health screening.

Next, inquire about your family history. Too many family secrets have gone to the grave. Every woman should make special efforts to learn family history and pass it to the next two to three generations.  Get answers to questions like; what was the cause of death for close family members? Did anyone in the family die suddenly? Are there reoccurring types of diseases or illnesses?  Make special efforts to plan time to sit and chat with your cousins, uncles, aunts, and don’t forget long time church members. They have a wealth of information to share if someone had the time to listen. Above all, know the signs and symptoms of heart attack which can be different for women than men.

Other health tips include do not smoke our use tobacco products. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Know your cholesterol numbers. Eat for your heart health. Start by cutting back on salt and increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Get involved in church. Spiritual activity is beneficial to your health.

As you begin to take control of your health, don’t forget the many health screening opportunities in your community. Shands Jacksonville has clinics and a mobile health van that is in the community during the week and on weekends. Every fourth Sunday physicians, nurses and other health care partners share in services at a local church with education, free health screening food and fellowship. For more information about clinics and services in your area or to schedule a health fair call or (904) 924-8846.

You can get more information about heart health and a fact sheet on Heart Disease by visiting ...
www.heartandstylewoman.com; www.omhrc.gov and other related websites.