Straight From the Heart

(CARLSBAD, CA) – True or false: Someone dies from heart and blood vessel diseases every 37 seconds. The American Heart Association (AHA) says, “true.” In fact, AHA reports that 35 percent of all deaths in America are as a result of heart-related illnesses.

Women are particularly at risk for heart-related maladies. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of American women, taking more lives annually than the next five causes of death combined.

Unfortunately, awareness, or lack thereof, about heart disease is largely at fault for allowing this villain to wreak havoc on our bodies. Only 13 percent of American women believe that heart disease is a genuine health threat, and only 20 percent of American physicians recognize that more women than men die from heart disease each year.

So, what actually happens during a heart attack? Basically, when blood flow to the heart is blocked, typically by a blood clot, the heart muscle begins to die. If any part of the heart muscle is not receiving adequate blood flow, the result is a heart attack.

Women suffering from heart attacks report symptoms such as neck, arm, and jaw pain, feelings of indigestion, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Since women tend to associate heart attacks with the stereotypical clutching chest pain, then they often don’t realize they’re in the midst of a heart attack and neglect making the trek to the emergency room.

Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett suggests a proactive approach to heart health. The next time you visit your doctor, Missett recommends asking these heartfelt questions.

  1. What is my blood pressure and how is it affecting my heart health?
  2. What is my cholesterol level and is it considered healthy?
  3. How often should I have my cholesterol and blood pressure checked?
  4. Am I at intermediate or high risk for heart disease?
  5. What are my risk factors for a heart attack or stroke?
  6. What should I do if I think I’m having a heart attack or stroke?
  7. Should I be taking any medications to lower my risk for heart disease?
  8. What type of exercise regimen will help me lower my risk for heart disease?

Don’t wait for heart related illnesses to take you by surprise. Take matters of the heart into your own hands. Visit your doctor and discuss your concerns about heart disease. Then, tell your mom, sister and friends to do the same.


Posted: 3/21/2010 1:05:57 AM by Jazzercise | with 0 comments

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