Hormone Replacement Therapy: What You Need to Know
Dr. Haley discusses the difference between synthetic hormones and bioidentical HRT.
How Sherene Became an Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Sherene is an ovarian cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2014 after getting a second opinion for her PCOS. She felt the doctor she was seeing at the time didn’t take her concerns about her symptoms seriously. When she saw a new doctor she mentioned her symptoms again. This time the doctor recommended an ultrasound. During the ultrasound they identified a mass. Sherene had just graduated from college and didn’t fit the demographics of the women who usually develop ovarian cancer, so her doctor wanted to keep an eye on the mass. It would have been easy for her to sweep it under the rug, but her doctor followed up, and Sherene kept all of her appointments. Sherene lost one of her ovaries, but they caught the cancer early. After completing her treatment, including chemotherapy, Sherene is cancer-free. Sherene sticks to her follow-up appointments to make sure she remains healthy. Sherene’s Take Home Message Sherene’s biggest message? Listen to your body! If you think something isn’t right, talk to your doctor. It’s okay to get a second opinion, especially if you think you aren’t being heard. Now Sherene is dedicated to spreading the message about ovarian cancer. Every year she participates in the Teal Trot 5k in Atlanta. She raises money and awareness and has fun in the park with her friends and family. Learn more or help Sherene on her mission to spread awareness by visiting the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance site.
Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms
You always knew menopause would happen. You may have even looked forward to getting rid of those bulky pads, contraceptive devices, and tampons you’ve been using. You expected some hot flashes and maybe a few cranky days, but assumed those probably wouldn’t be much worse than getting through a long summer heat wave and then it would be all over. What you possibly didn’t know is that there are countless other symptoms that science is constantly learning about regarding the menopausal process. If you’re between the ages of 40 and 65 — and in some cases even a bit younger — you may be suffering with those very symptoms right now. Your body begins to change several years before menopause actually takes place, during the period known as perimenopause. This is the time when periods start to become irregular, along with some other unwelcome physical and emotional developments that you never anticipated. Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms Menopause comes with many minor and major changes. Some women manage to get through the process with only a little discomfort. Others may be slammed with multiple symptoms, many of which occur gradually over time so that they may not even notice that they’re happening, or that one may be linked to the other. Most menopausal changes are caused by the decline of three hormones; estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Progesterone and estrogen, produced by the ovaries, not only prepare a woman for reproduction during her childbearing years, but they impact the rest of her body’s health, both physically and emotionally. During menopause, the adrenal glands continue to produce testosterone, but those levels also decrease with age. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are: The following menopausal symptoms are not as common, but are also usually caused by the same hormonal shifts: Serious conditions due to hormonal changes during menopause include: How Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help? Many menopausal symptoms are of little concern and often correct themselves given time. Others can be easily remedied through diet, exercise, hormone therapy and/or other medications. However, all unusual symptoms that arise should always be assessed by a physician to rule out other causes. Our broad-based practice consists of three board-certified, doubly-accredited urogynecologists who hold certification in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). Our staff also includes obstetricians, gynecologists and experts in holistic medicine and diet, and other specialists who, combined, have decades of accumulated expertise in the unique field of women’s health care. Call 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online today. Help is available.
Get to Know Dr. Haley
Dr. James Haley explains why he chose to become an OB/GYN and surgeon. Read Dr. Haley’s accompanying article. Watch more GYN and Annual Exams videos below.
Hysteroscopy
What is a Hysteroscopy? A hysteroscopy is used to diagnose and treat problems of the uterus. A hysteroscopy is performed by inserting a speculum to open the walls of the vagina. The hysteroscope is gently placed into the uterus through the cervix and sterile salt water is used to dilate the uterus so the surgeon can visualize your anatomy. Small instruments are used to take biopsies when indicated. Why is it Used? A hysteroscopy is used to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, changes in bleeding or an abnormal ultrasound finding. A hysteroscopy is performed to determine the best treatment plan.Hysteroscopy are also used to: remove scarring in the uterus diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriages locate an intrauterine device (IUD) perform a method of permanent birth control How and Why is a Hysteroscopy Done? Dr. Litrel uses the Operation game to show the camera and microscope used in a hysteroscopy. What Can I Expect? Hysteroscopy is performed in our Canton office under IV sedation. You will not experience discomfort during the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you from our office. You will go home shortly after the procedure. It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days. You can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for any discomfort. If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away. If you have any additional questions, please contact Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists at 770.720.7733.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus, the womb. After hysterectomy, you will not be able to have children. Your hormones are generally not affected unless your ovaries are also removed. Who Should Have a Hysterectomy? A woman may have a hysterectomy to treat common conditions, such as: pelvic pain, bleeding, prolapse, endometriosis, fibroids, painful periods, and pain with sex. How is a Hysterectomy Performed? A hysterectomy can be performed in different ways depending on the reason for the hysterectomy and other factors. You and your doctor can discuss the different ways of performing a hysterectomy to decide which route is safest and most appropriate for your specific situation. The three main hysterectomy procedures are laparoscopic, vaginal, and abdominal. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – A thin, lighted tube attached to a camera is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. Additional small incisions are made to insert surgical instruments. A laparoscopic hysterectomy results in shorter hospital stays, an easier recovery and a decreased risk for infection than an abdominal hysterectomy. Vaginal Hysterectomy – The uterus is removed through the vagina. The only incision is inside the vagina. However, your internal anatomy cannot be visualized by the surgeon. Abdominal Hysterectomy – A larger incision is made on the abdomen to remove the uterus. An abdominal hysterectomy may be suggested if a patient has a large uterus, adhesions or other anatomical challenges. This kind of hysterectomy requires a longer hospital stay and healing time. What are the Risks? A hysterectomy is a commonly performed surgery. However, there are always some risks associated with having a surgical procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits so you can be informed to make the best decision. What to expect after the surgery. If you have any additional questions, please contact Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.
Menopause and Depression
It’s estimated that 20% of women suffer from depression during the time leading up to menopause (perimenopause) and throughout menopause itself. That means for every five women aged approximately 40 to 65, one may be suffering from menopausal depression. What are the Signs of Menopausal Depression? Everyone goes through extended periods of stress, which can often lead to temporary mild depression. When those emotions continue past a reasonable time frame, however, intervention may be necessary. If you find some of the following signs have remained for prolonged periods during menopause, they may indicate depression. These are: Sometimes I Feel Like I’m Going Insane! Why is This Happening? Rest assured that you’re not alone. Menopausal depression is only partially, but not completely linked to hormonal changes within the body. As your ovaries age, they get tired and stop producing estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for enabling fertility, menstruation and good reproductive health. Other parts of the body go into overdrive to try and make up for the loss. Fat cells, adrenal glands, and the hypothalamus struggle to make up the difference, but aren’t very efficient, causing internal balance disruptions. The situation is similar to a substitute teacher taking over a class for a week while the regular one is off sick. She does her best but lacks familiarity with both the students and their curriculum. Though the class survives the temporary disruption, it does not function at an optimal level. The Scientific Whys of Depression In your body’s case, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands produce more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) than normal to nudge additional estrogen production, but can’t quite pump out enough to maintain normal levels. Thus, serotonin and norepinephrine, which affect mood don’t get their regular dose of estrogen. Additionally, plummeting progesterone can cause sleep disturbances and erratic mood swings. Most women can get through menopause with minimal discomfort, but for others whose side effects are much more dramatic, menopausal depression can have a psychological ripple effect when combined with the following occurrences: Who is More Likely to Suffer From Menopausal Depression Any woman can experience depression during menopause, but some are more predisposed. Extreme menopausal depression can lead to social isolation, relationship breakdowns, and even thoughts or attempts of suicide, especially for women who: What Can I Do to Feel Better? There are many lifestyle changes you can make to find relief. Some are: Are There Any Natural Remedies That Can Help? Eastern cultures rely heavily on diet and herbal and holistic medicine for many ailments, including menopausal depression. In China, for instance, only 10% of women suffer from different menopausal discomforts compared to 85% of American women. Western medicine recognizes the value of many of these time-honored and effective remedies. Today, many doctors work in tandem with these ideas, incorporating them into their modern day treatments, and recommending different formula combinations which may contain the following: A healthy diet rich in protein, vegetables, fiber, and whole carbohydrates is also essential in warding off depression during menopause. Other Natural Herbs and Supplements Include: Depression is Treatable Depression is treatable. It is also encouraging to note that, though many women suffer from depression before and during menopause, once the transition is complete, with proper care, the depressive symptoms decrease and often disappear. Your depression could be menopause-related, but there can also be other reasons for your symptom. As stated earlier, menopause itself does not cause depression, but it can contribute to it hormonally. You should always discuss your issues with your doctor to rule out any other physical or psychiatric disorders. What if Nothing I Do Helps? If your depression continues despite all your attempts, you may need medical intervention in the form of short or long-term antidepressants, estrogen replacement therapy, or the additional help of a therapist to discuss your problems. How Can Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists Help Me? Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is a broad-based OB practice consisting first and foremost of three doubly accredited urogynecologists holding certification in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), a highly coveted credential approved only under the most stringent criteria set forth by the American Board of Medicine (ABM). Along with these specialists, additional gynecologists, urogynecologists, obstetricians, nutritionists, and experts in holistic medicine and diet, are available for any and all female health-related disorders, concerns, and problems, providing you with the best possible care. For a consult with one of our gynecologists to discuss depression during menopause, call 770-720-7733.
Vaginal Dryness — Which Lubricant is Right for You?
Vaginal dryness is a common problem that affects millions of women. Thankfully, lubricants are available to help provide relief from painful sex and irritation. To help you make an informed decision on which lubricant is right for you, it’s first important to learn why you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. What Causes Vaginal Dryness? The most common reason for vaginal dryness is perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone begin to plummet with age and can result in dryness. Several other causes include: What Other Conditions Can Accompany Vaginal Dryness? Lack of vaginal lubrication can affect you in many different ways, resulting in: Choosing the Right Lubricant for You Now let’s look at how to select the correct lubricant. There are many types and they range from pleasure-enhancing, non-staining, odorless, perfumed, and even flavored options. And many contain a myriad of unpronounceable ingredients so choosing the right one can be a challenge. Before deciding on the best one for you, you should consider the following: Once you have established all safety factors and your personal needs, deciding if you actually need a lubricant, moisturizer, or more aggressive therapies is your next step. Knowing their function and the results they provide will enable you to make the right selection. What is a Lubricant and What Does it Do? Most lubricants are designed for mild to moderate dryness and immediate use. They alleviate uncomfortable friction during intercourse and provide short-term relief. They come in gel or liquid form and the following types are available: Symptoms That May Not be Helped by Lubricants Store-bought lubricants or other dryness aids may not help some of your symptoms. In that case, you may need to talk to your gynecologist about trying something more effective, such as: We’re Here to Help You Dr. Michael Litrel addresses menopause in this informative video as he explains the effects of hormones in various areas of a woman’s life. If you have any questions about vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, or related therapies, our experts at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists are here to help you. Their skill and training in the most up-to-date technology enable them to diagnose and treat all of your unique feminine issues. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 770.720.7733.
Life Lessons: A Veteran Mom of 3 Starts Over
An interview with Air Force veteran Dianna Hornes, third-time mom and our OB “Cover model” for this spring’s AroundAbout magazines. “I joined the Air Force after high school to get as far away from home as possible,” Dianna opens her story. “And they sent me from Phoenix to Las Vegas!” She laughs. “My friend and I joined at the same time. She wanted to be as close to home as possible – and they sent her to Guam! Go figure.” Dianna’s new baby Matthew is the first child of her second marriage to Dennis, a Woodstock policeman. As she already had two daughters from her first, we suspect that her journey from military through family life may not have been smooth. Q: So, first off, you’re married to a Woodstock policeman and fellow veteran, you have two little girls from your first marriage and now a newborn, Matthew. Would you mind just telling us a little bit about your story? I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I am the oldest and have 4 sisters and 2 brothers. As I said, I joined the Air Force after high school to get as far away from home as possible… But the military experience was wonderful, in fact, one of the best experiences ever! I got to travel the world and see everything. I experienced life on a different level, and it made me more appreciative. From my first marriage I have Madison and Kayla … and now with Dennis I have little Matthew, as you know. Q: How did you meet Dennis? We are one of those Match.com success stories. It’s funny too, because I reached out to him first. After I divorced, I waited a year before I considered dating again. I had two daughters, Kayla and Madison, from my first marriage. At around a year, I created a Match.com profile. One day I was scrolling through all the profiles, specifically looking for matches who were interested in someone with kids. I came to Dennis’ profile, and his just happened to say “no”. But I was looking at pictures and I thought, “’He’s a good-looking dude, you know what, screw it. I’m just going to send the message.’” I’m very straightforward, and I believe you don’t need to sugar coat things or hide things from folks. So, I sent him a message saying, “Hey, you seem like a good-looking, nice guy. I have two daughters, I know you said you’re not interested in someone with kids, but if you change your mind, message me. If not, have a nice life.” And it took a couple of weeks, but he responded, and we went on our first date to Starbucks. Starbucks seemed like a safe bet in case things didn’t work out. Surprisingly, our first date was nine hours long. We met for coffee and stayed there for a few hours. Then we went to a restaurant, and we closed the restaurant down. After that, we drove home and continued to talk on the phone for like, 2 hours. We had a lot in common—he was in the Army, I was in the Air Force, and we connected and teased each other about which branch was better. The Air Force, of course! Q: What made you decide to marry Dennis? He makes me want to be a better person for me and for everybody else. I couldn’t believe people when they said they met their true love or that they were in love with their best friend. It just didn’t seem real to me. I suppose I was a bit jaded from my divorce. Then I met Dennis. He makes me laugh, he’s someone who appreciates me, loves me and makes me feel good, and I realized, this is how it’s supposed to feel. I’m very much in love with him. He’s my best friend. “I couldn’t believe people when they said they met their true love… It just didn’t seem real to me.” Q: Did you have any concerns about starting over or creating a blended family? Yes, I was very much against starting over and starting another family. My husband was also married before, but he didn’t have children with his ex. It took me dating him for 4 months before I introduced him to the girls. I didn’t want them to meet this random person, and I didn’t know how dating would be for me. When we first started dating, and the first few months after being married, I wasn’t sure if I wanted more children. He was okay with that. He loves them very much, and he is very much their parent. People find it hard to believe that they aren’t his biological girls. He’s a natural with them. Though, I could see how happy he was with being a father to the girls I knew he wanted to have a baby of his own. And that’s when I realized that when you love someone, their wants and needs become your wants and needs. I wrapped my head around that and am very much in love with him. I realized I wanted to have that connection with him forever, so that’s when we started trying to have a baby. I had a Mirena and decided, “it’s time we took this bad boy out.” When I told him that I was ready to start a family with him, the look on his face was just love and excitement and joy. And then when we were pregnant the first time it was, oh my gosh, it was the most amazing feeling in the world to have created a life with him. But the last two pregnancies (and miscarriages) were just horrible to go through. But they made us stronger as a couple, and we also appreciate every moment that we have with Matthew. I want my husband to experience every little moment with his son and have all the input he wants on what we do day-to-day.
Trying to Conceive: Your “Get-Pregnant” Checklist
Have you decided that it’s time to make your family of two an official family of three or more? The decision to start trying to get pregnant is exciting, but it’s easy for hopeful mamas to get discouraged after a few months without seeing those two little lines. Studies have shown the link between stress and a woman’s ability to conceive, so the first step in trying is an easy one—relax and enjoy the process. Preconception Counseling Visit Next, visit your doctor for a pre-pregnancy checkup. Also referred to as a preconception counseling visit, this appointment is your opportunity to discuss your current lifestyle, weight, medications and medical history with your doctor. Together, you discuss how all these factors affect your chances of getting pregnant. He or she can also recommend changes you can make to help you get pregnant faster. Here are some additional steps you can take to get pregnant sooner: Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Start taking prenatal vitamins at least a month before you officially start trying to conceive. Most prenatals contain the 400 micrograms of recommended folic acid, but check the label just to make sure. Folic acid is also naturally found in leafy green veggies, citrus fruits, beans and whole grains, so doubling up is always a plus. Improve your diet. Healthy babies start with healthy moms. Try to avoid junk food and load up on fresh fruits and veggies, which will aid in both helping you maintain a healthy weight and give you the energy to maintain a baby-friendly exercise plan. Start limiting your caffeine intake. If you’re a 2-or-more-cup a day gal, it’s best to start cutting back, as the recommended daily intake of caffeine is 200 milligrams while pregnant. Have your teeth cleaned. A rise in hormones causes gums to bleed more often than usual during pregnancy, causing what’s known as pregnancy gingivitis. Get to know your cycle. Knowing when you ovulate will increase your chances of timing intercourse, which should be during the three to four days around your most fertile time of the month. There are lots of ways to track, including free apps for your phone or the good ‘ol fashioned way – with pen and paper. Quick Conception Numbers Overall, around 70% of couples will have conceived by 6 months, 85% by 12 months and 95% will be pregnant after 2 years of trying. Only about 8% to 10% of couples get pregnant within a one-month time frame, and the ‘per month’ rate for a normally fertile couple is around 20%. With all these facts and figures, it’s important not to stress out to give it time and try to relax and enjoy the time you have alone with your partner. By meeting with your physician during a preconception counseling appointment before you start the process of trying to conceive, you can ensure that every possible precaution is taken to prevent future problems throughout gestation, labor, delivery and even afterwards. Your peace of mind combined with our experience experience and expertise is our ultimate goal so that you may enjoy a safe and healthy pregnancy. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 770-720-7733.
Why Sleep is Important for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
As people become more sleep-deprived in our fast-paced world, scientists are learning that this deprivation is also a huge contributor to their difficulty in losing weight. It’s hard to imagine that the number of hours you sleep can have so much impact on your ability to shed pounds, but, thanks to two hormones and their role in weight control, those extra forty plus winks can mean the difference between slender and – well- not so slender. Just when women have had their fill of hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone raging inside and causing mood swings and feminine issues, along come two more that dictate whether or not they can successfully lose weight. These culprits are named ghrelin and leptin, and they have been at constant war with each other since Adam allegedly bit into that first apple and probably couldn’t sleep afterward. What are Leptin and Ghrelin, and What is Their Function? Both leptin and ghrelin regulate hunger. Leptin, which, under a microscope, looks like that pretty ribbon you’ve curled with scissors to add a special touch to your Christmas gift, decreases hunger. In ‘non-science’ talk, your fat (adipose tissue) creates leptin and, like a homing pigeon sends it on its way into your circulatory system. From there, it is set free to travel to the hypothalamus which controls such things as thirst, hunger, temperature, and your wake-sleep cycle (circadian cycle). It carries the message that your body has enough food and can stop eating. Ghrelin, on the other hand, is the dieter’s nemesis and saboteur. It works in a similar manner to leptin, but this ‘carrier pigeon’ brings the opposite news. It tells the hypothalamus you’re hungry, thus increasing your appetite. Unfortunately, insufficient sleep causes the body to make more ghrelin and lessens leptin production. So, the less you sleep, the more you want to eat. It follows that, unless you have the willpower of robot, you will eat. Of course, the more you eat, the more weight you’ll gain. Even if you adhere to the same dietary restrictions as your clone, exercise as much, and live the same lifestyle, one of you that is not getting enough sleep will have trouble losing weight. In fact, it may not be a coincidence that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports over 30% of the American population is sleep deprived. Roughly the same statistics are ascribed to obesity. A recent study found that participants who slept poorly or less than 7 hours a night lost 55% less fat than their counterparts who rested enough. Furthermore, they were hungrier, suffered from low energy, and didn’t feel satisfied with the amount they ate. How Much Sleep is Enough Sleep? It is recommended that you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Your body begins to rebel after a mere 4 days of getting less than 6 hours, not only by stimulating ghrelin production but also by causing: Interference with insulin production: Insulin, yet another hormone, is vital. It helps the body to transform starches, sugar, and other nutrients into energy. Mood swings Inattention, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty focusing Exhaustion and lack of will-power, leading to resistance to exercise and other physical exertion A rise in cortisol levels: Cortisol is a stress hormone that activates the brain’s reward center (amygdala), triggering food cravings. High levels of cortisol, when combined with ghrelin activate hunger by blocking brain messages telling you you’re full. Ghrelin and cortisol join forces like two little starving demons, demanding you feed them with anything that isn’t nailed down. Diminishment of mental clarity: Just like having too many shots of tequila, you begin to make poor choices, eating larger portions and selecting fatty, sweet, or otherwise high-caloric food. Onset of muscle loss (atrophy): Your body’s muscle building ability (protein synthesis) begins to fail, resulting in possible of physical injury. Slow wave or deep sleep depletion: Sleep deficit can rob your brain of the recuperation it needs after a busy day. Slow wave sleep is vital to physical growth and the body’s ability to repair and heal itself. What Can I do to get a Better Night’s Sleep? There are several things you can do to create better bedtime habits that enable you to get the proper rest you need. Some of these include: Turning your bedroom into your fortress of solitude: Treat it like hallowed grounds for the purposes of intimacy, relaxation, and sleep only. Avoid making it a bouncy house for the kids, a workstation, or an entertainment section complete with 70’ flat screen and enough woofers and tweeters to raise the dead. Adhering to a schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every night and morning. No matter how tempting it might be to get those extra weekend zzzz’s, disrupting your routine can lead to even more sleep irregularities. Keeping it fresh: Grungy sheets and lingering human odors can be distracting. Change the linen as often as possible and air out the room regularly. You’ll rest better feeling clean sheets against your body and inhaling sweet-scented fabric softener. Establishing a routine: Wind down before bedtime by reading, soaking in a warm bath, taking a soothing shower or meditating. Leave budget worries or to-do lists for daytime. Turning off all electronics at least an hour before retiring. Studies show that these devices emit a short-wavelength bluish light that confuses your internal clock (circadian rhythm) and interfere with your body’s ability to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps encourage sleep. Watching your food and liquid intake: Avoid heavy food before bedtime, along with caffeine-laced beverages, alcohol, soft drinks, sugary snacks, and Sleeping in complete darkness: Even the glow from the alarm clock or a night light prevents melatonin output. If your job requires you to work at night, invest in blackout and/or soundproof Empty your bladder: Void before bedtime so that Mother Nature does not call during a delicious dream. Everyone goes through periods of insomnia. However, if you experience it
Ladies, Make Heart Health a Priority
In honor of National Heart Health Month, we’d like to touch on a disease that affects an estimated 44-million of women every year. Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer for women across America. You may be surprised to learn 1 in 3 deaths of women is caused by this deadly disease. Heart disease differs from woman to woman. Warning signs can be hard to spot and even non-existent. That’s why it’s important to take every possible measure to live a heart-healthy lifestyle especially if you have one or more risk factors. Cardiovascular disease can include diseased blood vessels, structural problems, or blood clots. Over time, heart disease can cause strokes, heart attacks, arrhythmia, and more. Who’s at Risk? The truth is cardiovascular disease can adversely affect anyone. However, there are several factors that can put you at a higher risk. A whopping 90% of women have at least one or more risk factors for heart disease. Today, we’ll go over several key risk factors women should be on the lookout for. While some factors cannot be controlled such as age, race, or genetics, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of getting heart disease. Women from all walks of life should get an annual well-woman exam and maintain an open dialog with their physician. If you have a family history of heart disease or any of the following risk factors, your doctor should be aware. Age Most women don’t start to think about heart disease until they’re older. And, while it’s true that age can play a major role in your heart health, it doesn’t always have to. Did you know, the combination of birth control and smoking increases young women’s risk for getting cardiovascular disease by 20%? Family History Family history plays a key role in your heart health. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can pass from one generation to the next and can increase your risk. You may be at a higher risk for getting heart disease if: Race Yes, heart disease affects all women but your ethnicity can put you at a significantly higher risk. For example, Hispanic women are more likely to develop heart disease 10-years earlier than Caucasian women. Forty-eight percent of African-American women 20-years and older have cardiovascular disease. High Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Having high blood pressure for long periods of time puts added strain on your heart. After a while, it scars and damages the arteries leaving you vulnerable to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, and more. High cholesterol levels can potentially harden and line the artery walls over time causing unwanted blockages. These blockages can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke. Smoking We all know just how bad smoking is for us. It causes cancer, makes us gain weight, and increases irritability but did you know it affects your heart too? Take a look at how smoking puts you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Women who smoke are 25% more likely to get heart disease than men who smoke. Sedentary Lifestyle Physical inactivity can lead to blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attack, and strokes. People who don’t have regular to moderate physical activity are 30-40% more likely to be at risk for heart disease. Weight Even if you have no other health conditions, being 20% overweight can put you at a greater risk for cardiovascular problems. Carrying extra weight (especially in the waist area) puts extra strain on your heart. It can also increase your risk for other heart disease causing factors such as increased cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and induced diabetes. Diabetes Adults who have diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. The good news is, diabetes can be controlled through medication, as well as diet and exercise. Signs You’re Having a Heart Attack When it comes to actual warning signs, men and women differ a good deal. While men typically have very specific symptoms such as tightness or extreme pain in the chest, women have more subtle symptoms. Some signs you may be having a heart attack include (but are not limited to); Listen to your body. If you think you may be having a heart attack, stay calm and seek immediate medical attention. Steps to Take Towards a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Okay, you may not be able to go back in a time machine and lower your age, but there are several steps you can take towards a healthier life. Implementing a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise can add years to your life. Consider making small changes to your daily routine and keep heart disease at bay. Schedule an annual well-woman visit today to learn more about your risk factors for getting heart disease. Together, you and your doctor can create an action plan for preventing and maintaining healthy heart health.
