Cardiovascular disease: 8 tips to protect a woman's heart

Do you know that cardiovascular disease is not just about men? These diseases are the leading cause of death for women in the western world, for example. Cancer is the leading cause of death among men. Women have a much smaller heart than men and, in fact, the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen are narrower. The result is that when these coronary arteries become narrower, the symptoms appear more quickly in the woman.

Here are 8 tips to better protect a woman's heart against myocardial infarction and stroke:

1. stop smoking

In order to avoid myocardial infarction or stroke, the first good decision to make is to quit smoking. Smoking is responsible for the narrowing of the arteries and, when they are blocked, it can cause cardiovascular diseases in the heart and brain.

2. Maintain healthy cholesterol

Good nutrition involves enjoying a healthy body. Your cholesterol level should therefore remain at a healthy level. Drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses of water a day. Choose olive oil instead of margarine and butter.

3. Watch your weight

The increase in body weight increases the risk of heart attack. Monitor your weight and measure your BMI regularly. The BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the length in square. Do not forget to also measure your waistline, which should not exceed 80 centimeters.

4. Monitor your blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pressure and it is necessary to regularly monitor the blood pressure because it must be measured at each visit to the doctor. After age 55, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure should be monitored regularly.

5. Exercise

To have a healthy heart, stay active! Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. You can walk, ride a bike or bodybuilding. Physical activity helps keep your heart and body healthy. Do you know that 30 minutes of walking a day protect your heart and your arteries? It's time to buy sportswear and start doing some exercise.

6. Avoid all sources of stress

Family conflict, financial burden, labor productivity and health problems are among the many sources of stress in our lives. To protect your heart from cardiovascular disease, try to find a balance between periods of physical activity and periods of rest and relaxation. To protect yourself from stress, sleep well, relax and do yoga.

7. Consider family history

Do you have a close family member who has suffered from cardiovascular disease? You should think that it is one of the first risk factors. One of the causes of myocardial infarction is the genetic factor. Therefore, it is important to know the medical history of the family and this knowledge helps you avoid the risk factor and thus prevent these diseases.

8. Know the symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke

In order to protect yourself from cardiovascular disease, you must first know the symptoms, the most important of which is the sensation of severe chest pain, and these are the main symptoms of myocardial infarction. But this symptom may not always be present because there are also other symptoms:
• shortness of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting and heavy perspiration.
• tiredness or weakness.
• Pain in the jaw or neck.
• feel distressed.
To avoid cardiovascular disease, do not hesitate to carry out rapid and regular tests in the presence of risk factors, especially when using a contraceptive for the first time, during pregnancy and at menopause. Check your cholesterol level and keep it at a healthy level.