Heart of a Woman

A fact that too few physicians, much less women and patients, realize is that the number one killer of women is heart disease. Over 500,000 women die each year in the United States alone from heart disease. That is six times as many as from breast cancer and twice as many deaths as all cancer deaths in women combined. Furthermore, the symptoms of heart attack differ in women from those in men and are far too often misdiagnosed by health care personnel including physicians. Too often women die needlessly because they do not seek help when a heart problem exists, or because time is lost while diagnosis is sought by process of elimination rather than by recognition of the symptoms. Furthermore, most of the heart problems that that too often end in death or permanent damage, could be avoided, cured or controlled with proper simple lifestyle change or treatment. It is the purpose of this book to raise the awareness of this women's epidemic among women, physicians, nurses and all health care workers. Understand the different parts of the heart, the muscle, the valves, the electrical system and the circulatory system of the heart. Diseases of the heart muscle, the heart valves, the electrical system and circulatory system of the heart. Smoking, obesity, malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, diabetes, distress, menopause, genetics, and other diseases increasing your chances of developing heart disease. Simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference; even a minor change today can mean you're healthier tomorrow. Follow some simple rules of good nutrition and you'll never have to diet again. What is obesity? You can be heavy and healthy You really are what you eat, the proteins, the carbohydrates, the fats, the vitamins, the minerals and fiber. Who needs supplementation? Which supplements are heart healthy? Estrogen replacement. Alternatives to estrogen replacement. Exercise is a must for a healthy heart. There are exercises for everyone ... even those who hate exercise No pain can still mean lots of gain Fifteen minutes here, fifteen minutes there. Tobacco is the greatest threat to your heart's health ... even if you don't smoke Alcohol, a benefit or hazard? Other pollutants and chemical hazards to the heart. Stress can be healthy until it turns to distress. Keep stress a motivating factor ... keep distress from damaging your health. Coping with crisis. Are you chasing after rainbows? Your values have probably changed, have your goals? Reevaluate to avoid frustration and distress. What will make you really happy? Realign your lifestyle to minimize your risk factors and increase your beneficial factors. Motivation. Involve others in your healthy habits.