At the Wintersville Woman’s Club meeting on February 20 at St. Florian Hall, the focus was on Women’s Heart Health. The health and wellness committee hosted a talk by Lisa Kush, a cardiology specialist from Trinity Health System, who addressed the critical issue of heart disease as the leading cause of death among women.
Kush highlighted that many women remain undiagnosed and discussed eight essential risk factors for heart disease: hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, menopause, and sleep apnea. Each factor further elevates a woman’s vulnerability to this often-overlooked condition.
Women experience different symptoms compared to men. Kush elaborated that signs can include chest tightness, pain radiating to areas like the jaw and back, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, swelling, and significant fatigue. She urged women to trust their instincts and seek immediate medical attention if they encounter these symptoms.
To mitigate heart disease risks, Kush advised monitoring blood pressure and managing health conditions effectively. Diabetics should regulate their diabetes, while those who smoke must consider cessation options, including innovative laser treatments.
Encouragement to stay active through exercise like walking was a key message. For women in premature menopause, treatment options, such as estrogen therapy, should be explored. If sleep apnea is suspected, Kush recommended undergoing proper testing and treatment.
Kush concluded with a critical reminder: if experience any signs of a heart attack, a woman should not hesitate to call 911, as timely intervention is crucial for survival.
The Wintersville Woman’s Club meeting highlighted Women’s Heart Health, with guest speaker Lisa Kush addressing heart disease as the primary killer of women. Kush covered eight key risk factors and emphasized the differing symptoms women experience. She encouraged proactive health measures, including monitoring blood pressure, managing diabetes, and exercising to reduce these risks. Kush also stressed the importance of immediate action in case of heart attack symptoms.
In essence, the Wintersville Woman’s Club meeting, centred around women’s heart health, shed light on significant risk factors and symptoms of heart disease. With expert insights from Lisa Kush, attendees were emphasised the importance of proactive health management. The call to action for women to trust their instincts regarding heart health and seek immediate assistance underscores the vital nature of awareness in combating this leading health threat.
Original Source: www.weirtondailytimes.com
