Women & Heart Disease Across the Lifespan (Part 3): Older Women

During this final installment of our 3 part series about women and heart disease we will be focusing on heart problems older women are more likely to experience. Some of the things we will discuss are heart failure, diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, aortic valve disease and sudden cardiac death.

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Women and Heart Disease Across the Lifespan (Part 2 – Baby Boomers)

During this show we will discuss heart problems women may start to experience around menopause. “The Menopause Triple Threat” – weight gain, high blood pressure & cholesterol problems. Heart attack & stroke risk factors, “Broken Heart Syndrome”

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Women and Heart Disease Across the Lifespan Part 1 (Young Women)

This is the first of a three part series titled “Women and Heart Disease across the Lifespan.”  On this show we will concentrate on heart conditions that are more likely to affect young women. We will discuss the following conditions: palpitations, tachycardia, pericarditis, conditions that may occur during pregnancy, and premature heart disease.

Internet Support Group for Women with Heart Disease

When you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, you may instantly feel completely alone. The feeling is, of course, totally illogical when you consider that heart disease is the most common health ailment among women. So while you’re hardly alone, sometimes it is hard to be completely logical when you are going through a major life change. In August 2009, a study published by the American Psychosomatic Society found that there was a direct correlation between loneliness and coronary heart disease, which can mean that women with existing heart disease could be at increased risk of future heart-related complications, along with depression and anxiety. Your world has been completely turned upside-down and you are suddenly juggling multiple prescription medications, dietary restrictions and extreme fatigue, and it may feel like there is no one out there who truly understands you anymore.

Luckily, in our networked society, there are many ways that you can connect with other women who are dealing with the same heart health issues. They may be around the corner or halfway around the world, but are really only as far away as the click of a mouse. Check out WomenHeart’s online community and support network Inspire <http://www.womenheart.org/supportForWomen/community.cfm> to connect with other women living with heart disease. Community members can share stories, post journal entries and participate in discussions with other women with similar heart conditions or who have had similar treatments.

 A 2007 study in Great Britain showed that heart patients who were given access to information and communication via the Internet were more likely to participate in healthy behaviors.

“You Gotta Have Heart” – Heart Month Show

Women and Heart Disease – A Survivor’s Story

This is a heart saving story about women and heart disease – straight from a survivor.  Brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

Today’s message is from Stephanie, who had a heart attack at 24 after being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 16.

At 16, Stephanie, who was overweight, had been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  Stephanie said these things were mentioned casually by her physician, but she didn’t know they were a big deal.  “Because I wasn’t well educated about those conditions, they went unmanaged for a long time.”

As a college undergraduate I ate a typical fast-food diet, I rarely cooked my own food and often ate out.  After my heart attack that all changed.  I’ve lost 70 pounds and significantly reduced my blood pressure and cholesterol.  I work out five to six times a week and my experience has pushed me to eat healthy.  My diet is heavy on protein, fiber and produce, and I’m big on reading labels.  I’ve learned that you can love your heart by paying attention to what you put in your mouth.

 Changing the way you eat and prepare food can reduce your risk.

Not all fats are created equal. Use only fats and oils with 2 grams (or less) of saturated fat per tablespoon.

Break free of frying.  Boil, bake, sauté, steam, microwave, grill, broil, roast, or poach your entrée to cut the fat and keep the flavor.

When eating prepared food, pay close attention to labels.  Hydrogrenated oils and fats are often hidden in the ingredient list.

 For recipes that let you love your heart and enjoy your meals visit the American Heart Association’s online cookbook at www.deliciousdecision.org

For more heart healthy info visit www.heart-strong.com

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2010 WomenHeart

Premier program seeks 60 women who want to make a difference in the lives of women living with and at risk for heart disease

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is now accepting applications for the WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium at Mayo Clinic, October 9-13, 2010, in Rochester, MN.

 If you are a woman living with heart disease and want to help other women, apply now! Applications are now being accepted for this prestigious training program offered exclusively through WomenHeart. Deadline for applications is June 18, 2010.

 Each year, just 60 women are accepted from a competitive application process for this rigorous program about the science of heart disease with some of the nation’s top cardiologists and heart care experts at Mayo Clinic; as well as receive training in public speaking and community outreach strategies. In return, the women commit to at least 24 hours of community education and service during the six months following the Symposium and remain an active WomenHeart Champion, one of an exclusive group of women heart disease survivors who are volunteer community educators, advocates, and media spokespersons.

 Click here to learn more and apply. Applicants must complete the form, answer essay questions and provide letters of recommendation. Deadline for applications is June 18, 2010.  For more information, call WomenHeart at 202-728-7199.

Note to health care professionals: Please share this announcement with patients who you think would make great volunteer community leaders, educators, advocates, and national spokespersons on the issue of women and heart disease.

Whole Grains May Help Control Blood Pressure

 Previous research has shown that women who eat more whole grains are less likely to develop high blood pressure.  But the impact of whole grains on men’s blood pressure was unknown. 

 A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (September 2009) followed over 31, 000 men for 18 years.  Men with the highest daily whole grain consumption were 19% less likely to develop high blood pressure versus men who ate the least amount of whole grains.  The lower blood pressures were found regardless of weight, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake.

 So whole grains can help control blood pressure in both women and men.  The current dietary guidelines recommend that adults eat at least 3 ounces or 85 grams of whole grains daily.  Whole grains are richer in nutrients because they retain their bran and germ unlike refined grains.

 “Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” discusses how women can help control their blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors to prevent a heart attack, stroke and diabetes. “Take Charge: A Man’s Roadmap to a Healthier Heart” is due to be released Fall 2009. For more info visit www.heart-strong.com

Are You Ready for American Diabetes Month?

November is American Diabetes Month, devoted to increasing awareness about diabetes and educating people about the prevention and  treatment of diabetes.  We all need to pay attention to this increasing epidemic. 

Some alarming facts about diabetes:

1 in 3 American children born this year will develop diabetes if they follow the typical American diet and lifestyle.

Every 20 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetes is the #1 cause of blindness in adults.

Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease and stroke in both men and women.  Adults with diabetes are at a 2 to 6 times higher risk of having a heart attack.

The American Diabetes Association has just released some great new educational videos covering a multitude of diabetes lifestyle and management tips.  Go to www.libertymedical.com to view free.

Also during the month of November help get the message out there to both adults and kids about the risks associated with diabetes, prevention tips and the importance of appropriate management. 

Why should you get involved?  Someone you know either has diabetes or is at risk to develop diabetes (maybe even you).

Two of the most important things to do to prevent diabetes:

1)      Maintain a healthy weight AND waist (men’s waist circumference should be less than 40 inches and women’s waist circumference should be less than 35 inches)

2)      Get a moderate amount of exercise daily

“Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” discusses how women can control their  risk factors to prevent a heart attack, stroke and diabetes.  Also include info for women with diabetes – how to control your risk factors to prevent heart disease.

 “Take Charge: A Man’s Roadmap to a Healthier Heart” is due to be released Fall 2009. For more info visit www.heart-strong.com

Heart Healthy Vitamins and Supplements (Part 2)