Modern Health Therapy

Do birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease?

Birth control pills slightly increase the risk of heart disease in women who have experienced menopause (when periods stop.) However, they can pose risks for heart disease in some women, particularly in women with high blood pressure and smoking. Ask your doctor about whether birth control pills are best for you.

Formerly it was thought that hormone therapy (HT) (estrogen plus progestin) helped protect women against heart disease. But recent findings of the study’s Health Initiative of Women (WHI), sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, showed that taking HT represents more risks than benefits. (more…)

What is an arrhythmia? Can you have a cardiac arrhythmia without suffering from heart disease or circulation?

Most people have felt your heart beat very fast, pounding in the chest, or noticed that your heart skips a beat. Almost all also experienced dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain at some point. While these experiences of heart arrhythmias (a change in the steady beat of the heart) can create anxiety for most people is harmless.

As adults age, they are more likely to have arrhythmias. Only very few people have arrhythmias that are dangerous. Do not be surprised if you have a few palpitations or your heart races occasionally. If you have questions about your heart rhythm or symptoms, talk to your doctor. (more…)

What are palpitations or heartbeat “extra”? Are they dangerous?

Heartbeats “extra”, also called palpitations, or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) occur when there is irritation at the bottom of the pumping chambers of the heart. PVCs interrupt the normal heart rate and cause irregular heartbeats that may feel like a “missed beat” or “flip-flop” on his chest. This may be harmless or it can result in serious problems. (more…)

How do I check if I have heart disease or circulation? Are there tests to detect it?

Often, heart disease has no symptoms, and for this reason it is called murder “silence.” However, there are some symptoms that can alert a potential problem. Discomfort in the chest or arm, especially during times of stress or activity, is a classic symptom of heart disease, and a warning sign of a heart attack. You may also have fatigue (no reason), shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or abnormal heartbeat (palpitaciones.)

Consult your doctor if you think you may be experiencing any symptoms of heart disease. The first thing your doctor will be a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. There are many tests to detect heart disease. The choice of which test is conducted (and how) depends on the person’s symptoms and history of heart problems. (more…)

Approximately 25 percent of American women have cholesterol levels in the blood high enough to put them at risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance, found in all parts of the body. Create the cell membranes, some hormones and vitamin D.

Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body and your food. The liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs. Too much cholesterol from animal foods like meat, whole milk dairy products, egg yolk, poultry and fish can cause cholesterol to rise. However, the saturated fat contained in your diet is largely responsible for that raises cholesterol. (more…)

How can I reduce the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease?

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of these diseases. Exercise helps women to remove excess weight, control blood pressure, reduce the need for a diabetic person insulin and increases the level of HDL “good.” Some studies show that being inactive increases the risk of heart disease. To reduce this risk:

- Stop smoking, talk to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.
- Reduce consumption of foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Check the levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and keep them under control.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week (or every day)
- Lose weight if overweight and maintain a healthy weight. (more…)

What factors increase the likelihood of heart disease and cardiovascular disease?

Many factors may put women at risk for heart disease and cardiovascular disease. The more risk factors (or elements that increase the risk) a woman has, the greater the chance of developing heart disease or cardiovascular disease. There are some factors you can not control, such as age, family medical history and ethnicity.

But you can do something about the three main risk factors for heart disease and cardiovascular disease: smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Quitting smoking will reduce the risk and you can get help to quit through support groups, special programs, behavior modification and medications. High blood pressure and high cholesterol in the blood can be controlled with diet, exercise and medication. Ask your doctor about developing a plan for heart health and cardiovascular disease. (more…)

What are the different types of heart disease and cardiovascular disease?

There are many types of heart disease and cardiovascular disease, and the following is a description of the most common. The National Clearinghouse on Women’s Health (NHLBI) has provided links to the start of this FAQ and also the end for additional information.

Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis (or thinning and hardening of the arteries.) As we age, may occur spontaneously certain hardening of the arteries. When a person has atherosclerosis, the inner walls of the arteries narrow further due to the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is the result of fat deposits, cholesterol and other substances. Blood clots that block blood flow, this can cause heart attacks and strokes. The high blood cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and being physically active, you are placed in a higher risk of atherosclerosis. (more…)

Do you really need to worry about women and cardiovascular heart disease?

Yes Many women think heart disease is a man’s problem, however, these diseases seriously affect women. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States? And that stroke is the third leading cause of death among U.S. women (cancer is number two)?

Heart disease affects women of all ethnic groups and women suffering from other diseases such as diabetes. African American women are more likely to die from heart disease than white women. Age is also a risk factor in heart disease and those 65 and older are the fastest growing group in the United States. Heart disease is becoming a growing problem for women. (more…)

Although often thought to be the same disease, heart disease and cardiovascular events are different and involve different body parts.

Heart disease refers only to the diseases of the heart and blood vessel system of the heart.

Cardiovascular disease refers to heart disease and diseases of the blood vessel system (arteries, capillaries, veins) around the body, such as the brain, legs and lungs. “Cardio” means heart and “vascular” system of blood vessels. (more…)