Merv Bashforth - Special to the 51暗网
February. The perfect month to talk about your beautiful heart.
Your heart affects every part of your body.
And the way you treat your body, physically and mentally, is the way you treat your heart.
Thousands of Canadians die from heart attacks annually, leaving heart disease the second leading cause of death in Canada.
Fortunately, you can do a lot to reduce the risk. From the signs and symptoms, to how to take care of that amazing muscle, here are five things to know:
1. Men aren鈥檛 the only ones who get heart disease.
In the battle of the sexes, there鈥檚 no winner here. Yes, it鈥檚 true that women are less likely than men to have heart disease before menopause, but the playing field evens out once that milestone has been reached. Leaving men over 50 years of age, and women who have gone through menopause, as one of the highest risk groups for heart disease.
2. Heart disease can cause different symptoms in women.
Although women experience classic symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, nausea, sweating, and other symptoms, women also experience other symptoms.
For example:
- unusual tiredness
- heartburn
- difficulty breathing
- anxiety
- vomiting
- a general feeling of discomfort or weakness
- paleness
These symptoms may occur up to a month before a heart attack. If you experience any of these symptoms or think you might be having a heart attack, get immediate medical attention.
3. There鈥檚 a lot you can do to prevent heart disease.
Although you can鈥檛 control risk factors such as age and family history, there is a lot you can do.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
4. Knowing the warning signs could save your life.
Everyone should know the warning signs of a heart attack. Early recognition and treatment could be the difference between life and death. Signs to pay attention to are:
- Sudden chest pain, squeezing, fullness, or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Cool and clammy skin
- Fear and anxiety
If you or someone you鈥檙e with is experiencing any of these, get immediate medical attention.
5. Heart disease is treatable.
Although heart disease is a major cause of death in Canada, over the last decade the incidence of heart disease has decreased. This is likely due to improved prevention, detection, and treatment.
If you are diagnosed with heart disease there鈥檚 still a lot of joyful living yet to do.
Your doctor and pharmacist will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan that will involve lifestyle changes, possible medications or surgical procedures.
Unsure or have more questions? Speak with us today. You鈥檙e not in this alone.
Want more healthy hints? Find us on Facebook at Pharmasave Jasper or sign up for monthly emails at Pharmasave.com. Just put Jasper as your local store.
