Support Women’s Heart Health: National Wear Red Day

Introduction

National Wear Red day is a popular day celebrated in America on the 3rd of February. But it is a great international platform to show support and spread awareness about the fact that heart disease is the number one cause of mortality in women. On National Wear Red Day, we are using this opportunity to educate the Women in India to wear red to support heart health of women.

In 2003, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association took action against a disease that was claiming the lives of almost 500,000 American women each year – a disease that women weren’t paying consideration to. Arising from that action, National Wear Red Day was born. It is celebrated on the first Friday in February, annually to raise awareness about women’s heart health.   

Some facts about women heart health in India:

• In India, women are more at risk of heart disease today than 3 three years ago
• The largest group of women at risk of a heart disease are aged between 35-44
• Heart disease risk is highest amongst housewives as it is amongst working professionals.

Many studies reveal that 3 in 5 women in India are at high risk of cardiovascular disease as early as 35 years of age. With data showing such alarming results, it is important to take the necessary preventive measure and raise awareness.

Follow the listed measures to prevent heart diseases:

1. Get Your Cholesterol And Blood Pressure Checked Frequently

If you’re over 40, ask your physician about having a health check to evaluate your risk of developing heart disease. This would include checking your cholesterol level and blood pressure.

If your cholesterol level or blood pressure is higher than it should be, this augments your risk of heart disease. Your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes or, if deemed necessary, recommend medication to reduce your cholesterol or blood pressure.

Women have more risk factors to develop heart disease than men, for example Women with endometriosis, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes have more risk and should adopt heart-healthy lifestyle habits.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

2. Stop Smoking

You’re twice as likely to have a heart attack if you are a smoker. Studies show that more young women now smoke than young adult men. Stopping smoking will diminish your chances of dealing with heart disease.

3. Exercise To Prevent Heart Disease

Incorporate more exercise, including regular aerobic exercises such as swimming and walking. To truly protect your heart, you need to do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as fast walking or cycling, every week.

4. Lose Weight

About six in every 10 women in India are either overweight or obese in urban areas. Carrying excess weight puts an unfortunate strain on your heart, and you’re more likely to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which also amplifies the risk of heart disease.

5. Drink Moderately

Drinking a little alcohol often may be good for your heart, but make sure you stay within the recommended drinking limits. Drinking more will increase your risk of heart problems.

Too much alcohol or binge drinking, can injure the heart muscle leading to irregular heart rhythms or worse, heart failure.

Women as compared to men have a higher heart rate and are prone to heart attacks after they cross the menopausal age due to hormonal imbalance.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

6. Balance Your Diet

Eat healthy and be particularly careful not to consume more salt than is recommended (which is no more than 6g a day) and to reduce the amount of saturated fat you eat. Include plenty of fruits and leafy greens in your daily diet.

7. Manage Your Stress

Some researchers have suggested that stress can add to heart disease. If you feel you are under a lot of stress, it’s important to discover how to relax. There are some easy techniques you can learn to help you manage stress, like meditation.

8. Get Regular Health Screenings

Regular health check-ups can tell you what your health condition is and whether you need to take action. It is important to visit your healthcare provider at least once a year to get all your body checks and tests are done to see if you have some abnormalities or problems. By doing so, you can start treatment early if you have any problems.

9. Get Good Quality Sleep

Make sleep a priority in your life. People who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and depression. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, so it is easier to sleep. Getting enough sleep is related to a healthy heart.

The most important takeaway to all this is that the first step to a healthy heart is for women to assess their current heart condition and hence the immediate need is to go for a heart check-up. Let us encourage our women to take up more heart-healthy measures for a better living!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.