Heart Health Matters: What Every Woman Should Know About Cardiovascular Risk

By Dr. Leslie Vilensky

Ladies, it’s time for a heart-to-heart. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death for women in the U.S., claiming more lives than all cancers combined. Yet only 1 in 5 women identifies it as her greatest health threat. It's time to change that.

Women often face unique risk factors for heart disease that deserve attention, understanding, and proactive care. Let’s unpack these risks and explore ways to protect your heart health effectively.

Why Heart Disease Is Different for Women

While heart disease doesn't discriminate, women’s experiences and risks often differ from men’s. Here’s what makes it unique for women:

1. Pregnancy-Related Risks:
   Conditions like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of heart disease later in life. Even children born under these circumstances may face higher risks as adults.

2. Hormonal Changes During Menopause:
   Declining estrogen levels can contribute to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, making post-menopausal women particularly vulnerable.

3. Smoking's Amplified Impact:
   Smoking poses a greater risk to women’s hearts compared to men’s, compounding the need to quit.

4. Subtle Heart Attack Symptoms:
   Women are more likely to experience non-traditional symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or neck pain during a heart attack. These atypical signs often lead to misdiagnosis, with women sometimes being twice as likely as men to receive a mental health diagnosis instead of proper cardiac care.

 Warning Signs Women Shouldn’t Ignore

Heart disease symptoms can be subtle but dangerous. Be on the lookout for:

• Light-headedness or dizziness

• Nausea or sweats

• Palpitations or flutters

• Fatigue or anxiety

• Neck, stomach, or chest pain

• Shortness of breath

If you notice any of these signs, especially if you're over 30, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

The Role of Naturopathic Care in Heart Health

A growing body of research supports the benefits of naturopathic care for heart disease prevention and management. For example, a 2013 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that individuals who integrated naturopathic care into their health routines experienced lower cardiovascular risk scores compared to those relying solely on conventional care.

Naturopathic doctors specialize in addressing the root causes of disease and empowering patients with natural, personalized approaches to prevention and healing.

Functional Medicine Testing for a Stronger Heart

Functional medicine and naturopathic care go beyond conventional check-ups. At Be Well Natural Medicine, we use advanced cardiometabolic lab testing to uncover hidden risk factors and imbalances.

These tests may include:

• Advanced Lipid Panels: Identify particle sizes and inflammation markers that traditional cholesterol tests miss.

• Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance Testing: Assess how your body processes glucose, a key factor in metabolic health.

• Inflammation Markers: Tests for C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine levels can indicate chronic inflammation, which contributes to heart disease.

• Hormone Panels: Evaluate estrogen, cortisol, and other hormones that influence heart health, particularly during menopause.

With this data, we create personalized plans that include nutrition, supplements, lifestyle changes, and mind-body practices to optimize your heart health.

10 Simple Steps to a Healthier Heart

1. Color Your Plate:
   Fill your meals with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. These foods reduce inflammation, a key driver of heart disease.

2. Boost Your Magnesium:
   Foods like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and even dark chocolate provide magnesium, essential for blood pressure regulation and heart health.

3. Prioritize Healthy Fats:
   Incorporate omega-3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to reduce inflammation and support healthy cholesterol levels.

4. Ask your Naturopathic Doctor About Hawthorn Berry:
   This herbal remedy is a well-known heart tonic that may help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.

5. Manage Stress:
   Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing to lower cortisol and inflammation levels.

6. Keep Moving:
   Aim for at least 20 minutes of activity daily. Walking, dancing, or swimming strengthens your heart.

7. Explore Yoga:
   Yoga has been shown to lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar, and reduce stress—all heart-friendly benefits.

8. Nurture Relationships:
   Spending time with loved ones supports emotional well-being, which is closely linked to heart health.

9. Follow Your Passion:
   Connecting with your life’s purpose can reduce stress and create a sense of fulfillment.

10. Practice Gratitude:
    Gratitude can decrease inflammation and boost overall wellness. Start by reflecting on three things you’re thankful for each day.

Take the Next Step Toward Heart Health

Your heart deserves personalized, proactive care. At Be Well Natural Medicine, we offer comprehensive cardiometabolic lab testing and holistic prevention strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today and empower yourself with the tools to protect your heart and live a vibrant, healthy life.

By making small, intentional changes and partnering with experts, you can take control of your heart health and thrive. Your heart—and future self—will thank you!

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