February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on potential cardiovascular risks.
Health experts said women especially should consider their heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined.
Dr. Abigail Khan, cardiologist at Oregon Health and Science University and American Heart Association volunteer, said it is often thought of as a disease largely affecting men, and treatments have been tailored toward men.
“Women tend to be less aware of their heart risk,” Khan explained. “And when they get treatment it’s often delayed and maybe a treatment that’s more tailored to men than to women.”
Khan pointed out it is actually an exciting time because we know more than ever before about how to treat heart disease in women. The challenge is spreading the word about the advances.
Khan noted people might imagine a person clutching their chest as a sign of a cardiac event.
“Women may present with more subtle signs,” Khan emphasized. “They may present with more symptoms like shortness of breath or nausea, or in some cases they might present with chest pain but it’s assumed to be something else.”
Khan offered general advice for maintaining good heart health.
“Having a normal, healthy blood pressure, and if your blood pressure is high, getting treatment for that,” Khan outlined. “Preventing diabetes, prediabetes, other associated conditions; eating a healthy diet; being physically active; reducing stress.”
