Health Digest
Heart Threats You Are Ignoring: These underrated factors may play a surprising role in your heart health
High Blood Pressure
More than 35 million Americans have uncontrolled high blood pressure-and about 40 percent have no idea, according to a recent CDC report. The condition is serious: For every 20 points above a systolic blood pressure of 115 and every ten points above a diastolic reading of 75, the odds of dying from heart disease or stroke double. If you have not had a blood pressure reading recently, get tested at your next appointment. And if you know you have high blood pressure, take your medication as prescribed and monitor your BP at home if your doctor advises it. If traditional medication does not bring about the desired progress, with guidance from your doctor.
Early Menopause
Women who go through the change before the age 46 have double the risk of heart disease and stroke of those who experience it later, Johns Hopkins researchers recently found. Therefore, women who go through menopause early should be extra vigilant about other heart risk factors, like weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Smoking, a known heart threat, is a double whammy, since smokers enter menopause about two years earlier on average.
The Mental Health of Your Partner
Depression is common among heart attack survivors, but a recent study shows that it also affects their partners: Spouses of heart attack survivors were 17 percent more likely to require a prescription for antidepressants in the year after the event than before. Authors say spouses may be reluctant to take care of themselves while focusing on the recovery of a partner, but it is essential for them to seek care from a depression treatment center if they suspect depression symptoms, which are themselves a risk factor for heart problems. Mental health and the body are inextricably linked and therefore acknowledging any ailments early on is fundamental where heart health is concerned.
Edited by Lauren Gelman
Printed in Readers Digest, January 2013 Edition