February 13th is Wear Red Day, a national awareness day that brings attention to the importance of heart health for women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, and it's essential to take action to reduce the risk of heart disease.
At PulseAir Lung and Heart Centre, we're committed to providing comprehensive care for women's heart health. In honor of Wear Red Day, we're sharing seven changes women can make now to improve their heart health.
Women-Specific Heart Health Issues
Before we dive into the changes women can make, it's essential to understand the unique heart health issues that affect women. These include:
- Heart disease is often silent: Women are more likely to experience no symptoms or mild symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose heart disease.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Pregnancy complications: Pregnancy-related complications, such as pre-eclampsia, can increase the risk of heart disease later in life.
7 Changes Women Can Make Now to Improve Heart Health
1. Know Your Numbers
Get familiar with your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI). Knowing your numbers can help you identify potential risk factors for heart disease.
2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary drinks and foods high in salt and saturated fats. Find resources here: Canada's Food Guide
3. Stay Active
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. You can also incorporate strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and other forms of physical activity to keep your heart healthy. Find more information here: Physical Activity Tips for Adults (18-64 years) - Canada.ca
4. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Learn more: Manage your stress | Heart and Stroke Foundation
5. Get Enough Sleep
Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep per night to help regulate stress hormones and reduce the risk of heart disease. Find helpful sleep health resources: Sleep Information - Canadian Sleep Society (CSS)
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems. Find resources to quit smoking: Quitting smoking: Provincial and territorial services - Canada.ca
7. Stay Connected
Build a strong support network of friends, family, and healthcare professionals. Social isolation can increase the risk of heart disease, so stay connected and prioritize your relationships.
Be Heart-Healthy with PulseAir
Wear Red Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health for women. By making these 7 changes, women can reduce their risk of heart disease and take control of their health. Remember, heart health is not just about physical health; it's also about emotional and mental well-being.
At PulseAir Lung and Heart Centre, we're committed to providing comprehensive care for women's heart health. If you're concerned about your heart health or have questions about heart disease, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Resources
- Heart and Stroke Foundation: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada | Home
- Wear Read Canada: Home — Wear Red Canada
- PulseAir Lung and Heart Centre: pulseair.ca
About PulseAir Lung and Heart Centre
PulseAir Lung and Heart Centre is a state-of-the-art medical facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care for lung and heart conditions. Our team of experts includes cardiologists, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists who work together to provide personalized care and support.