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February is American Heart Month
TOMS RIVER, NJ, JANUARY 28, 2009 – What
is the leading cause of death in women? Breast cancer? Cancer
of the uterus? Not even close! Heart disease kills
more women than all causes of cancer, far eclipsing lung cancer,
the most common cancer of women, according to Dennis Novak, MD,
chairman of Family Medicine at Community Medical Center.
Studies show that there are many missed opportunities for earlier
intervention in women, and to complicate things, heart disease
is often misdiagnosed – and under diagnosed – in women.
“We need to close this gender gap in women’s health
care by focusing on prevention and early diagnosis,” said
Dr. Novak. "Heart disease has traditionally been thought
of as a disease of men; women’s symptoms were neglected.”
“We now know that women need more aggressive approaches
to the prevention and management of heart disease in order to live
longer, fuller lives,” he said. “Even still,
many women don’t present with traditional symptoms of heart
disease until it is too late to be treated.”
Heart disease begins with a build-up of cholesterol plaque in
the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen. By the time
these blockages are diagnosed in women, the disease is often more
advanced than in men. Dr. Novak said that the risk of heart disease
is increased by smoking, diabetes, excess weight, high cholesterol,
high blood pressure and a strong family history of hardening of
the arteries.
If the blockage completely prevents the flow of blood and oxygen
through the artery, a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs.
Dr. Novak encourages all women – no matter their age – to
educate themselves about heart disease and take steps to prevent
it.
“Fortunately there are many things you can do to reduce
your chances of getting heart disease,” Dr. Novak said. “If
you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Monitor
your blood pressure and keep it under control. Exercise regularly
and keep your cholesterol levels in check. Eat plenty of fruits
and vegetables and maintain a healthy weight.”
Dr. Novak also urges women to contact their primary care doctor
to find out about age specific screening exams, which have replaced
the general, annual physicals.
“Heart disease is a serious issue,” Dr. Novak cautioned. “It
is just as important to keep your heart healthy as it is to have
an annual mammogram. Talk to your doctor about heart health, and
make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle to keep your heart in
good shape for years to come.”
For more information on heart health or for referral to a Community
Medical Center physician, call 1-888-724-7123 or visit www.barnabashealth.org
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