In the first condition, women showed an increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in her life. In the second, a woman’s overall risk of dying, stroke, and heart disease increased.

Studies like this are often scary if not properly explained and understood. If you have had a preemie or underweight baby, you should ask your doctor how it could affect your heart health going forward. Likewise if you are having your ovaries removed, discuss all the possible risks, both immediate and future, before deciding on a course of treatment.

Image from StockXchange.

Post from: Blisstree

Women’s Heart & Reproductive System Linked

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has shown that heart patients who stopped taking these three drugs are three times more likely to die during the next year than patients who followed their prescribed regimen. One out of eight heart-attack patients, who were more likely to be older, single, and less educated, quit taking their meds within a month. Two of the main reasons patients don’t take their medication properly are:

• Cost
• Lack of explanation from their doctors

Even President Bill Clinton was a non-compliant heart patient:

Former President Clinton — a younger, married and well-educated patient — was prescribed a statin for high cholesterol when he left office. But he stopped taking it at some point. At age 58, he had to have quadruple bypass surgery because of severely clogged arteries that doctors said put him in danger of a heart attack.

When you get a new prescription from your doctor, make sure you understand what it’s for and what will happen if you miss a dose or more. Here are some questions to ask your doctor.

The Mercury News, October 2, 2006

Post from: Blisstree

Heart Attack Patients Need Their Medication

I don’t drink or smoke and I exercise daily (either pilates or on the treadmill). I taught pilates for years so this is usually what I do when I am watching TV. I listen to podcasts when I run.

I don’t eat as healthfully as I used to, but I’m breaking one bad habit at a time now. Maybe soon can get off of Diet Coke (it’s my worse habit right now)… I am careful to take my vitamins/supplements daily and I try to make sure my diet is balanced 40-30-30, but it rarely is. I try to eat whole foods when at all possible.

Like Jeremy I make sure I don’t sit for more than an hour at a time on the PC. My short attention span helps here… I also spend every morning at a coffee shop to write and to recharge my batteries.

Wow, a teacher of pilates! I’m not even sure if I’m capable of being a student.

Post from: Blisstree

Hearty Habits #21: A Mother’s Secret

Deputy Coroner Robert Barrett said Beatrice Vance’s symptoms should have alerted hospital personnel to administer an electrocardiogram, conduct cardiac monitoring, and administer blood thinners and other medications. None of this was done in time. The coroner’s jury ruled Ms. Vance’s death a homicide.

There are two issues at stake here. One, was Beatrice Vance’s symptoms belittled because she was a woman? Many studies have found that women receive a lower quantity and quality of cardiac healthcare.

Two, Ms. Vance and her daughter, Monique, probably should have called an ambulance when they decided she needed medical attention. Emergency medical technicians have the training and equipment to give immediate treatment for heart attacks. If at any time you experience the symptoms of a heart attack, call an ambulance. Do NOT drive yourself to the hospital.

Chicago Tribune, September 15, 2006
Photo credit: PingNews.com

Post from: Blisstree

Woman Dies of Heart Attack in ER Waiting Room

Post from: Blisstree

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