MOMENTSWITHMAUDE.COM

February is Women’s Heart Health Month, but the truth is, heart health isn’t just a one-month concern—it is a lifelong commitment. Your heart is your body’s powerhouse, pumping blood to every organ, artery, and vein. It’s also the symbolic center of emotion, wisdom, and vitality. Taking care of your heart means taking care of your life.

Unfortunately, heart disease remains the #1 cause of death among women in the United States. While awareness has increased over the years, many women still don’t realize their risk—or recognize the symptoms when they arise.

Heart Disease: What Every Woman Should Know

When we talk about heart disease, we’re usually referring to coronary heart disease (CHD) also called coronary artery disease (CAD). This occurs when cholesterol and fatty deposits (plague) build up in the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow to the heart.

What Causes Plague Buildup?

Several factors contribute to artery blockage, including:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High blood sugar (often due to diabetes)

A blocked artery can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and even death—which is why prevention is key.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health

The good news? Heart disease is largely preventable. By making simple lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk and keep your heart strong.

Small Steps, Big Impact:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet (less sugar, more whole-grain foods)
• Get active (aim for at least 30 minutes a day of exercise)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Manage stress

Who is Most at Risk?

Your risk for heart disease increases if you:

• Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
• Smoke
• You are overweight or inactive
• Consume a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats
• Are over age 55
• Have a family history of heart disease

A Personal Reflection on Family Health

My family’s experience with heart disease has made this topic deeply personal. My brother Robert was diagnosed with diabetes and, just two days later, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 50. My father was diagnosed with heart disease in his forties and passed away in his sixties after surgery.

Realizing my family history of heart disease has motivated me to take proactive steps to protect my heart. I prioritize healthy eating, daily movement (10,000 steps a day), and staying on top of my numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C. I also avoid processed foods, flour, and sugar and make water my primary drink

My journey is a reminder that knowledge is power. By understanding my risk factors, I can help educate my sisters, my son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews so they can make informed choices about their health.

Recognizing Heart Attack in Women:

Women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men, which can make them easier to overlook.

Signs to Watch for:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper abdominal discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue
• Heartburn or indigestion

Many women dismiss these signs, assuming they’re caused by stress or exhaustion. Don’t ignore your body’s warning signals! If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Know Your Risk & Protect Your Heart

Heart Disease risk falls into three categories:

Factors You Can’t Control:

• Age:  Risk increases as estrogen levels decline.
• Family history: If your parents or siblings had heart disease early, your risk is higher.
• Race: African American and Hispanic women have a higher risk.
• Gender: After menopause, a woman’s heart disease risk equals a man’s.

Factors You Can Manage (With Your Doctor’s Help):

• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
• Weight management
• Stress reduction

Lifestyle Factors You Can Change:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Smoking and alcohol use

Rock Your Red & Take Action

As you wear your red this month in honor of Women’s Heart Health, take a moment to reflect on your heart health. Know your family history, understand your risk factors, and listen to your body.