In matters of the heart, make health tops
The Queen's Medical Center
Here's a quick health quiz for you. What is the No. 1 killer among men and women?
A) Cancer.
B) Motor vehicle accidents.
C) Cardiovascular disease.
If you picked C, you are correct. And chances are you or someone close to you is one of the 5 million people affected by a cardiovascular disease each year.
Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of 500,000 women each year, compared to 432,000 men per year.
February is American Heart Month, a chance to learn about heart and blood-vessel problems that can develop over time and occur when arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood become clogged from a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol.
Common types of cardiovascular diseases include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (heart attack and angina), heart failure, stroke, rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart defects and aneurysm.
Taking steps to prevent cardiovascular disease is important, but it's not enough. You also need to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial that you seek medical treatment within one hour of the symptoms. Drugs or other treatments are most effective within that time frame.
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include chest discomfort; pain spreading to the jaw, neck, shoulder or arm; shortness of breath; nausea; sweating; indigestion or gaslike pain; dizziness; and unexplained weakness or fatigue.
It's important to understand the risk factors for heart disease and take steps to live a healthier lifestyle. Just a single risk factor can increase your chances of developing heart-related problems.
The major risk factors for cardiovascular disease include cigarette smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, lack of physical activity and overweight.
Other major risk factors include a family history of heart disease, early menopause (before age 40) and high stress.
Women 55 and older, and men 45 and older, are at greater risk for heart attacks.
Lowering your risk of heart disease isn't easy, but it can be done.
As a first step, you can cut back portions and foods that are high in fat and cholesterol.
Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, cereal and grain products, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, legumes, nuts, fish, poultry and lean meats.
Increase physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. Take advantage of free cholesterol and blood-pressure screenings throughout the community.
And quit smoking.
In 2002, The Queen's Medical Center undertook the first study of women and heart disease in Hawai'i. We talked to 500 Hawai'i women to hear their thoughts on heart disease and learn their risk levels.
The results were alarming: More than 75 percent of women on O'ahu are at risk of developing life-threatening cardiovascular disease, yet less than 25 percent are doing anything about it.
Also, most women believed breast cancer was the top killer of women, even though nearly twice as many women die of cardiovascular disease than from all forms of cancer combined each year.
Women are more likely to be affected by cardiovascular diseases after menopause. As a woman gets older, her body produces lower amounts of estrogen, a hormone that regulates cholesterol and reduces blood pressure.
For a free heart-risk assessment, call Heart Advantage at The Queen's Medical Center at 547-4438. Or consult your physician.
You can substantially reduce your risk factors for heart disease with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Talk to your doctor and take a step toward better heart health for you and your loved ones.
Liane Fujita is a registered nurse and cardiac clinical nurse specialist at The Queen's Medical Center. Wanda Muranaka is operations manager for the comprehensive cardiac-care unit at Queen's.
They compiled information for this article.
