Important New Guidelines for Women and Heart Disease

GALTime.com

By Stephanie Moore, MD for GalTime.com

There are important new Guidelines for Women and Prevention of Heart Disease and you need to know the risk factors. Heart Disease is the number one killer of women in the United States with stroke coming in at number three. The guidelines in 2011 are much more focused on practical application.
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Experts recommend that every woman know her risk of heart disease. Studies have shown knowing your risk leads to preventive measures.

HIGH RISK:

You have one or more of the following:

  • Existing Coronary Artery Disease (stent, bypass surgery, heart attack)

  • Stroke or Carotid (neck) artery disease

  • Blocked arteries in your legs

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (weakened artery in your abdomen)

  • Chronic Kidney Disease

  • Diabetes

AT RISK:

You have one or more of the following:

  • Cigarette smoking

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Overweight or Obesity

  • Family history of heart disease ( Dad with heart disease at less than 65 years of age, Mom with heart disease at less than 55 years)

  • High Blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHG)

  • High Cholesterol ( Cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL, HDL ( Good Cholesterol) less than 50 mg/dL)

  • Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune diseases)

  • Metabolic syndrome

  • Pregnancy complications: diabetes related to pregnancy, eclampsia or pre-eclampsia (hypertension related to pregnancy)

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BIG NEWS IN BOLD: This is the first time the guidelines have included pregnancy-related high blood pressure or diabetes as risk factors for future heart disease even though after pregnancy these conditions no longer need to be treated. A recent analysis showed that women with these conditions in pregnancy had double the risk of coronary artery disease (blockages in the heart arteries) and strokes in the next 5 to 15 years after the pregnancy. (British Medical Journal 2007;335:994). Also this is the first time autoimmune diseases are being considered as risk factors for heart disease and stroke. All risk factors should be optimized if you have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Knowledge is power. Optimize your health now. After all, prevention is the cure!

Guidelines for Prevention of Heart Disease and Stroke-2011 Update, Journal American College of Cardiology. Vol57 No.12 2011

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