February is American Heart Month – do you know if you’re at risk for heart disease? Well, given that heart disease is the third greatest health problem facing U.S. women – behind mental health and cancer – it certainly can’t hurt to know for sure.
High cholesterol, diabetes and obesity can all lead to heart disease and stroke. And yet six in 10 women are unaware of their cholesterol numbers, blood sugar levels or body mass index, according to recent poll of more than 1,000 U.S. women.
Ninety percent of the women surveyed said they consider heart-related conditions a serious issue, and more than 37 percent say they have a heart-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or a history of stroke.
And while awareness among women has increased in past decades, “there is still room for significant improvement,” Dr. Sharon C. Reimold, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern in Dallas, said in a statement.
“We need to understand more about the attitudes of women toward heart health so they can be proactive in addressing their own personal risks as well as those of their families,” she said.
In honor of American Heart Month, take the time to get your numbers checked. The MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, will offer no-cost screenings every Wednesday in February at locations nationwide.
Substance Abuse and Heart Health
Doing cocaine just once could strain your heart, leading to high blood pressure, stiffer arteries and thicker heart muscles. And, in the first hour of smoking pot, a person’s risk of having a heart attack is nearly five times that of non-smokers. Alcohol takes a toll on your ticker, too. In fact, even without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, people are disproportionately prone to cardiac diseases in the setting of alcohol abuse, says researchers. This is especially true for women, who are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men.
Doing cocaine just once could strain your heart, leading to high blood pressure, stiffer arteries and thicker heart muscles. And, in the first hour of smoking pot, a person’s risk of having a heart attack is nearly five times that of non-smokers. Alcohol takes a toll on your ticker, too. In fact, even without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, people are disproportionately prone to cardiac diseases in the setting of alcohol abuse, says researchers. This is especially true for women, who are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men.
Get Help – Your Heart Will Thank You!
The best way to protect your heart is to commit to sobriety. And we can help! Reach out today to learn about our recovery services for women. Call: 866-746-1558.
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