We have been focusing on the heart in February and it’s important to talk about why it matters. At first glance, this may seem pretty obvious but it goes deeper than that. There is no doubt that we want to stay healthy, live a life that we enjoy and be here for our family and friends. Heart disease impacts just about everyone in some way or another. It remains one of the biggest health threats on our planet.
Commonly associated with men, heart disease is actually becoming more prevalent with women. Some of those women are much younger than you would think. Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) groups together several conditions such as heart attack, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Coronary artery disease is the most common and leads to coronary heart disease. This is a condition that affects blood flow to the heart which can lead to a heart attack.
Higher rates of obesity and high blood pressure are setting the stage for the increased risk of heart disease. This is being seen in adults who are young and middle-aged. For women specifically, other risk factors may carry more potential for increased risk than with men. These risk factors include:
•Diabetes
•Menopause
•Complications during pregnancy
•Mental Stress/Depression
•Inactivity
•Smoking
A few of these risk factors are specific to women. Other risk factors are simply more impactful for women in regards to developing heart disease (diabetes, smoking and inactivity). This is not meant to take away from men. The risks still exist and the impact of heart disease is real. Awareness across the board should be discussed and we all can work towards becoming healthier and decreasing our risk of developing heart disease.
So what can we do to fight back? Genetics plays a role in some of the risk factors but not all of them. We can positively impact our health by:
•Eating a healthy diet
•Maintaining a healthy weight
•Quit smoking
•Managing stress/Advocate for your mental health
•Regular exercise
•Limiting alcohol consumption
Spread the word because we’re in this together. The majority of heart disease can be avoided with lifestyle changes and an effort towards being the best, healthiest version of yourself.
Are you someone 40+ and wants to get into shape, lose fat, build confidence, and become healthier? If so, click on the link below and BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION!
https://www.firstcapitalgym.com
Amber Zuver
Author Bio
Amber seeks to empower women and young girls in strength and to inspire them to not be afraid to step into the gym. Amber finds great joy in helping clients move, perform, look, and feel better! She believes that your training at the gym should transfer over into making your everyday life better as a whole, both physically and mentally.