Despite what many may think, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke ) is the number one killer of women in Ireland (and worldwide ). To further put this into perspective, half of Irish women will die from cardiovascular disease. Moreover, 90 per cent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease — so there is so much that we can do to reduce the risk.
What can we do?
Studies have shown us that lifestyle choices really can make a difference. Some top tips include stopping smoking, eating healthy, and staying active. There are studies which show the benefits of incorporating omega 3 in your diet (plentiful in oily fish and flaxseed ), and you can supplement this if you prefer. Try to manage your blood sugar, as well as aiming to maintain a healthy weight that suits you. Keep in touch with your doctor regarding your blood pressure and cholesterol; do what you can to keep these within the guidelines that your healthcare professional recommends.
What do we look for?
The most important thing is for us all to be on the lookout to identify the risks in our lifestyles. Heart disease affects women of all ages (although the risks do increase with age ), and even if you are keeping fit and working out, this doesn’t eliminate the chances. Previously mentioned factors like cholesterol (which could be hereditary ), eating habits, and smoking can outweigh your other healthy habits. Having a family history of heart disease does not mean there is nothing you can do, in some ways it gives you a head start in being conscious of your cardiac wellbeing. The key takeaway is that with the right information, education, and care, heart disease in women could be treated and even prevented.
Remember — your health is non-negotiable
For more tips and lots of other ideas, visit Evergreen and have a chat with fully qualified staff in-store, or see Evergreen.ie
