Cardiovascular Disease and Women

Cardiovascular disease, also known as cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Cardiovascular diseases are diseases such as hypertension, arrhythmia, valvular disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. Although more concerned about "high profile" diseases such as breast cancer are at the forefront in the minds of many women, the harsh truth is that one in four women suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease.

The risk factors for cardiovascular disease are things like high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal glucose in the blood, and the use of tobacco, among other factors. When caught at an early age, these risk factors can be disabled to prevent manifest as cardiovascular disease later.

Altering your lifestyle can help reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. These changes, as a diet low in fat and cholesterol, the addition of fruit and vegetables to your diet, drink lots of water every day and exercising for half an hour a day are all ways that doctors may suggest help reduce the potential for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is known as the silent killer, because they often have no symptoms. If you think you can be with the symptoms of heart disease, you should talk to your doctor about the many tests available. Doctors often begin with simple tests, whose results may lead to tests that are more complex.

In connection with cardiovascular disease are "extra" heartbeats, which usually happens when there is an irritation in the lower pumping chambers of the heart. Interrupt the normal heart rhythm, which can feel like a beat missed. This may indeed be a harmless "whim" of the functions of your body, or can lead to problems that are far more serious.

If a woman has palpitations or other symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor immediately. A complete medical history, physical examination and other tests will be performed to determine the cause of these behaviors, which can be anything from stress-related behavior to something much more dangerous. Advice and consultation with a doctor when heart disease is concerned is the only way to go.