Women’s heart health is one of the most important topics in wellness and fitness today. Up until the mid-1980s, most heart attack deaths occurred in men. But did you know that since the 1990s, more women than men die from heart attacks? In fact, six times more women die of heart attacks than die of breast cancer, a fact not often realized by women. While such a statistic seems grim, the good news is that we know that 75 percent of heart disease is preventable. Seventy-five percent! Simple modifications to lifestyle and nutrition have far-reaching effects in helping a woman curtail heart disease. With 50 million women over 50 in the United States, the need to be proactive has never been more urgent. Comprehensive wellness programs that are collaborative efforts between cardiologists, physical therapists, nutritionists and health clubs with an eye toward wellness are becoming an essential for a community.
The major risk factors for heart disease in women are very well known. They include cigarette smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), abnormal levels of lipids (types of fats) in the blood, diabetes mellitus, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. It is important to note that most of these risk factors can be addressed through regular – and professionally prescribed – exercise. Said another way, a daily habit of exercise can slow, and in many cases reverse, many of the risk factors for heart disease in women. You can’t do it for two weeks and then take a month off. You can’t join a health club and then take the summer off. You have to be consistent. When regular exercise – especially aerobic type exercise coupled with weight training type exercise – becomes part of your lifestyle, heart health improves.
Often, women have a difficult time starting an exercise program because of other problems such as arthritis, low back pain, or even slight balance difficulties. You are probably aware that Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barbara Walters were recently in the news because of falls. Both women have now contributed to one of the under-reported statistics in health care: that an older American is treated in an emergency room for a fall every 15 seconds. This means three older adults have presented to an emergency department since you started reading this article. That is why the expertise of the physical therapist is essential to develop and guide an exercise and wellness program. Not all weight machines are equal! Not all free weight exercises are equal! Not all Yoga or Pilates programs are equal! The fact of the matter is, many women try to begin an exercise program but without the proper guidance as to the modifications necessary to preserve the health of their back, hip, or knees, or with fall risk protection. When you are instructed correctly, you will find exercise invigorating and something to look forward to. And that is the key to improving your heart health! FBN
By Carl DeRosa PT, Ph.D.
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