Questions & Answers: about your heart health
Q: I'm really busy: I've got a job, two young teens, and a husband. What can I do to have a more heart-healthy family?
A: Simple changes can make a big difference and you make them as part of your usual routine. Check out the Go Red For Women Web site at www.americanheart.org/red. You'll find practical ideas on healthy eating and reducing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, being overweight, and diabetes. If you smoke, quit - and stay away from secondhand smoke. It's a killer too. You'll be taking care of yourself and setting a good example.
Q: I'm 29. My mother has a heart valve problem. One of my grandfathers died of a heart attack at 54. Some other blood relatives have had heart problems, too. Does this mean I'm going to have a heart attack?
A: No. But your family history of heart disease does increase your risk. You can't do anything about family history, but you can do a lot to protect yourself. The free Choose to Move program at americanheart.org/choosemove could help you and your family select nutritious foods, exercise sensibly and reduce your risks for heart disease.
Q: I've had a heart attack. I've read some scary stuff about hormone replacement therapy. Should I be using it?
A: The American Heart Association makes recommendations to physicians regarding hormone replacement therapy. Our recommendation is that hormone replacement therapy should not be used for the purpose of preventing heart attacks and strokes - even in women who have cardiovascular disease. There may be other reasons to take hormone replacement therapy, though, so talk to your doctor.
Q: I've heard about some new guidelines for preventing heart disease and stroke in women. What does that mean for me?
A: The American Heart Association 2004 guidelines call for rating a woman's risk of a heart attack in the next 10 years as low, intermediate or high. Treatment is recommended according to the risk level. But - regardless of your risk level - lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, getting regular physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important. See your doctor. Learn your risk factors and what to do.
American Heart Association