Women are finally getting the message that cardiovascular disease is the biggest threat to their health. While women have been concerned about breast cancer for many years, the American Heart Association's findings -- which revealed that more women die from heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular factors than anything else -- have begun to resonate nationwide.

"Women are hearing loud and clear that cardiovascular risk factors, such as lack of exercise and poor nutrition, can lead to serious health problems," says Anita Sinese, DO, internal medicine physician on staff at Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC). "Being able to spot the warning signs of a heart attack is the next defense in keeping heart-healthy."

Are You Having a Heart Attack?
For men, heart attack is usually marked by sudden angina (chest pain), tightness or pressure that radiates to the shoulders, neck or arms. It is often accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, weakness and/or arrhythmia. Women's symptoms are less specific, Dr. Sinese says.

Anita Sinese, DO

"Women may experience progressive symptoms -- up to one month beforehand -- of unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, chronic breathlessness, dizziness, nausea and rapid heartbeat," she says.

No one knows why symptoms are different in the sexes. Women's hearts and arteries are typically smaller than men's. As women age, the heart-protective benefit of estrogen declines and, once menopause approaches, the body stops producing estrogen. This makes women more susceptible to some cardiovascular risk factors.

How to Practice Prevention
Being able to spot the signs of a heart attack is key to early diagnosis and treatment. However, there are lifestyle and diet modifications you can make to lower your risk of heart attack.

They include:

• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising 30 minutes each day
• Not smoking
• Controlling diabetes and hypertension
• Reducing high cholesterol

At CMMC's Cardiac Fitness Center, women can get the support they need to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events.

"We help people jump-start the process of taking better care of themselves through our Risk Profile Management (RPM) program," says Sharon Spiese, RN, supervisor at the center.

The RPM program focuses on teaching members how to exercise safely without straining or harming their bodies. Patients referred to the 24-session program receive a customized prevention plan that includes exercise training. Nutrition counseling is also available.

"Lifestyle changes including increasing physical activity, losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing stress are elements of our focus at the Cardiac Fitness Center," Spiese says.

The 1-2-3s of Heart Disease
The American Heart Association (AHA) says women can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by "knowing their numbers." The following are AHA-approved health goals for women to live by:

Total cholesterol = <200 mg/dl

• LDL ("bad") cholesterol = Less than 100 mg/dl (low risk of heart disease); 130 to 159 mg/dl (intermediate risk); 160 to 189 mg/dl (high risk)
• HDL ("good") cholesterol = 50 mg/dl or higher

Test Your Feminine Intuition
You know that eating fatty foods and leading a sedentary life can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, but did you know that stress also takes a toll on your heart? Test your heart-healthy IQ by logging onto www.IchooseCentralMontgomery.com. On the left side, click on Health Information. Under Interactive Tools, click Quizzes and scroll down to Heart Quiz for Women Only.

Join the SilverSneakers^® Program!
Free to Members of Independence Blue Cross
If you're age 65 or older and insured by Independence Blue Cross (IBC), you can join the SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program, now offered at Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC).

SilverSneakers exercise classes are free to IBC members and offered two days a week at CMMC's Cardiac Fitness Center. If you want to reduce your heart disease risk factors or just get in shape, this program is for you. Please call 215-361-4579 for more details.

Take Action Now
To locate a physician in your area who specializes in cardiac care and heart disease prevention, please call Direct Doctors^SM Plus at 866-446-2507.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933