Women at heart mayo awareness week
WOMEN at Heart Mayo Awareness Week is running this week, from today (Monday) to Friday, October 23.
The campaign has been launched by Croí in association with Mayo HSE to encourage women to become more aware of their risks for heart disease and stroke.
A free public information meeting on heart disease and stroke – the facts for women will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, October 20) at 7.30 p.m. in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar. Guest speaker will be Dr. Blaithnead Murtagh, consultant cardiologist, Galway Clinic.
Did you know that Irish women are seven times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than breast cancer? Most women in Ireland view heart disease as mainly a man’s disease but the truth is that almost 5,000 Irish women die each year from heart disease and stroke.
Croí nurse Ailish Houlihan explains what signs and symptoms women should look out for, and what you can do to reduce your risk.
Heart attack:
Heart attack symptoms can be different for women. As many as 4 out of 10 women who present with heart attack do not experience the ‘classic’ chest pain often associated with heart attack. Therefore, women delay seeking medical help for their symptoms because they don’t associate them with a heart attack.
While chest pain can affect some women (often described as a tightness, fullness, burning, indigestion type discomfort) it is also important for women to be alert to the other symptoms of heart attack, sometimes called the ‘non chest’ symptoms such as: sharp pain in the shoulders, back, neck or jaw; heaviness or pain down the left or right arm; nausea and vomiting; sweating, dizziness; shortness of breath; fatigue (unexplained prolonged or extreme tiredness).
Remember, that many heart attacks start slowly, with symptoms often coming and going over time and getting progressively worse.
Stroke:
The signs and symptoms of a stroke usually begin suddenly. The main signs and symptoms of a stroke are as follows: Weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the face/body; Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding; Difficulty walking, loss of balance or coordination; Vision disturbance; Dizziness, sudden fainting or unconsciousness; Severe headache with no cause.
Remember, you do not need to see all of these signs together for it to be a stroke. Just a single sign is enough to call an ambulance.
The signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke demand immediate medical attention. If you experience these warning signs, call 999/112 for an ambulance.
Take action to reduce your risk – here's some tips to get you started:
The amazing fact is that 90% of heart disease and stroke can be prevented by leading a healthier lifestyle and managing risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes.
Annual check-up: The single most specific risk factor for women is hormonal status. The risk of heart disease and stroke rises dramatically after the menopause so make sure you keep a yearly check on your blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and blood sugar with your GP/nurse especially after your menopause.
Be active: the key message is move more and sit less! Ideally you should aim to be active at least 30 minutes five days a week. If you have not been active, start off slowly, building up to your goal. Try brisk walking, dancing, swimming, cycling, jogging, or any physical activity that helps to increase your heart rate. Remember you don’t have to get all your physical activity at one time. Try getting some physical activity throughout the day in 10 minute sessions.
Make healthy food choices: Follow a healthy eating plan. Eat more fruits and vegetables, limit your intake of red meat and eat more fish. Cut down on ‘treat’ foods and watch your portions sizes. Making healthier food choices can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Manage your Weight: by being more active and eating a healthy diet. If you are overweight, work to lose at least 5 to 7 per cent of your current weight and keep it off. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, losing 10 to 14 pounds can really help you control your risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
If you smoke, try to stop: Smoking is a bigger risk factor in women. Research has shown that smoking has a more detrimental effect on women’s health than men, in particular to the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Drink less alcohol: no more than 11 standard drinks per week for women.
Your GP/practice nurse can give you more information and support to help you make these lifestyle changes.
Check out www.croi.ie/heart-health/dietary-tips-advice for more information on healthy food choices, understanding food labels and some healthy recipes.
Get active! For more information on opportunities for exercise in your local area contact the Mayo Sports Partnership on www.mayosports.ie or phone (094) 9047025.