It’s smart to be mindful of our heart health all year long, but February -- Heart Month -- is an especially great time to make sure we are doing all the right things in our lives to be heart healthy.
That might mean looking at how we take care of ourselves daily, whether you should see a cardiologist or simply knowing the symptoms of a heart issue.
Dr. Chadi Alraies, an interventional cardiologist with the Detroit Medical Center, said heart disease can affect men and women differently.
Heart disease risk factors in men
“We see higher rates of men with high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol and abdominal obesity, all of which increase the risk of heart disease,” Alraies said.
He said there are certain lifestyle factors -- like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption -- that tend to be more prevalent in men.
For these reasons, he said, there are things men should consider doing to be more proactive in their heart health: “Regular checkups with their primary care doctor and a cardiologist, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active are crucial.”
Men should also be aware of silent symptoms like fatigue and even erectile dysfunction, both of which can be early warning signs.
Heart disease risk factors in women
“Pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, can increase long-term heart disease risk in women,” Alraies said.
He added that other things can also increase risk factors in women, like polycystic ovary syndrome, and autoimmune disease more common in women like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
“Hormonal changes during menopause can also contribute to higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure,” he said.
Misconceptions and lifestyle changes
Alraies said one misconception about heart disease that so many people get wrong is that it only affects older adults.
“This is not true,” he said. “Heart disease can strike at any age, and risk factors accumulate over time.”
Another misconception he often hears is that women are protected based on hormones in their body, which is also untrue.
“Post-menopausal women actually have a higher risk,” Alraies said.
So, knowing all this, what are some simple lifestyle changes that both men and women can adopt right now for better heart health?
Alraies said to work to maintain a healthy weight and diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
“Get rid of the processed foods and sugary drinks,” he said. “Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol consumption.”
You should do what you can to manage your stress levels. Strive to engage in regular physical activity, which can help lower those stress levels. Alraies said to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.
“Every patient is unique, with their own risk factors and health history, but these are all key steps you can take right now for better heart health,” he said.
To receive a heart screening, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.
To access a free, online heart risk assessment that will help you to better understand your personal risk of heart disease, visit DMC.org/hearthealth.