As women, we have the power to take control of our heart health and reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). By empowering ourselves with knowledge and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can protect our hearts and live longer, healthier lives.
We encourage you to share your tips and strategies for preventing CVD in the comments below. Your insights could inspire others to take action and prioritize their heart health.
Here are some life-saving tips to consider:
- Be proactive about managing your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
- Incorporate heart-healthy foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
- Make time for regular physical activity, aiming for a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
- Practice stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Stay connected with your healthcare provider and attend regular check-ups to monitor your heart health.
What Is Heart Disease and Stroke?
Heart disease and stroke are cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) diseases.
Heart disease includes several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease), which is narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart.This can cause:
- Chest pain
- Heart attack (when blood flow to the heart becomes blocked and a section of the heart muscle is damaged or dies)
- Heart failure (when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs)
- Arrhythmia (when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly)
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain tissue to die. Stroke can cause disability (such as paralysis, muscle weakness, trouble speaking, memory loss) or death.
Join NOWSI – Natural Organized Woman Society, Inc. in our mission to empower women against cardiovascular disease. Together, we can make a positive impact on the heart health of women everywhere.
