News Story Detail

Although heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, as much as 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Mark Villalon, M.D., interventional cardiologist for NorthBay Health offers six tips for women to help lower their risk.

1. Get annual checkups.

   
   It's important to get annual checkups to assess heart-health risk, and to become familiar with your key health numbers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, according to Dr. Villalon. “For example, blood pressure of less than 120/80 is considered ideal.”

2. Know the symptoms of a heart attack.

   
   Women's heart attack symptoms may cover a wider spectrum compared with symptoms in men. Not all women experience the "classic" heart attack symptoms of chest pressure, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, the way men do.
   
   Women may have more subtle symptoms such as sudden onset of back pain, shoulder pain, a fullness in the stomach, fatigue or nausea, Dr. Villalon noted.

3. Tell your doctor if you had a pregnancy complication.

   
   Gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or premature delivery have been linked to increased heart disease later in life.

4. Get good rest.

   Lack of sleep – getting less than six or seven hours a night – is connected to heart disease, research has shown. “Poor sleep can increase risk of having high blood pressure, can make it difficult to lose weight, and may make you less likely to want to exercise,” Dr. Villalon said.

5. Reduce stress.

   
   Chronic stress is another area of concern for women. It can lead to behaviors and factors that impact heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity, and overeating. To cope with stress, eat healthy, unprocessed foods, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Consider talking to others about your stress, including a loved one, doctor or counselor.

6. Find a health partner.

   
   In all heart-healthy efforts, it helps to have a partner who can support you in your journey. While you work with your doctor to create a treatment plan, it’s also a good idea to find a partner to help you get physically active and encourage you to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Visit our Heart & Vascular services to learn more about heart health screenings available or by calling (707) 646-4400.