In spite of attempts to educate the public, the National Institutes of Health reports that 45% of US women still do not know that the greatest health risks are from heart disease and stroke. Information that is seemingly in conflict may also be contributing to this lack of awareness. For example it is been shown that high cholesterol levels are only 50% predictive of heart attacks.
In other words 50% of heart attacks occur in people that have normal, non-drug influenced cholesterol levels.
Newer tests recommended by the American Heart Association such as C-reactive protein have been found to be nearly 80% of effective in predicting risk of heart attack but have not found her way into mainstream use.
In the United States cardiovascular disease takes one American women’s life every 35 seconds. And more women in America die coronary heart disease than any other illness. As 64% of heart attacks occur in women who had no prior symptoms of poor cardiovascular health, prevention and wellness approaches are absolutely critical in any effort to reduce one’s chances of a heart attack.
The American Heart Association has launched a new educational effort called Go Red for Women. They offer an online self-help survey to evaluate risk. However experts say the primary challenge still lies in the fact that women believe that heart disease is not going to affect them personally.
According to information published on the American Heart Association’s own website, type 2 diabetes substantially increases the risk of heart disease and stroke in women. This further emphasizes the need for improved diet, appropriate weight control and physical exercise. The benefits of these require time to accumulate. Therefore it is critical that all women consider these factors and begin to make improvements as soon as possible. Waiting until after the onset of symptoms, which might be the first heart attack or stroke, may be far too late.
With nearly half a million deaths due to heart disease each year, women cannot ignore this issue any longer. Improved diet, appropriate use of dietary supplementation, increased physical activity and proper preventative medical care can help save lives. It all begins with a step in the right direction.
As a national speaker on health and wellness, Dave Saunders has been helping people discover the amazing truth about how the body is able to restore, defend and protect itself against the effects of injury and disease.
Make optimal health a reality: Discover vital truths about health and wellness at http://www.glycowellness.com.