Follow Us on Google
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, but it is even more deadly in women of African descent. According to the American Heart Association, over 50 percent of Black women have some form of cardiovascular disease in the United States, and they are dying at younger ages than white women.
For just being in the United States, which has a vastly advanced healthcare system with state of the art diagnostic, treatment and health management technology and facilities, it would be assumed that African women should have better heart health indices. The data, however, paints a different picture.
Half of the women with the disease are ages 20 and upward. However, only one in five Black women knows she is individually at risk. What applies to African women in America also relates to those residing in continental Africa, and Nigeria particularly. The following indicators are items to monitor regarding heart health.
Lack of Information
Studies show that beauty salons and beauty shops are better locations for promoting healthy behaviour. The populations that need the information the most are not always in venues that inform of the latest and most necessary medical information. Besides beauty shops, outreach needs to be extended to other areas where Black women gather, like faith-based organizations and community centres.
Be aware of heart attack signs
Only 58 percent of Black women know how to recognize and react to the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Common heart attack warning signs include:
• Pain or discomfort in chest
• Lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting
• Jaw, neck or back pain
• Discomfort or pain in arm or shoulder
• Shortness of breath
Unhealthy diets
Depending on her lifestyle, Black women may prepare foods with more salt or oil. If vegetables are fried in grease, or French fries are a regular snack, you need to replace these foods with healthier ones. Your arteries will benefit from fresh vegetables instead, or a baked potato.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors
There are many health disparities that can be more prevalent in Black women. Most of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease are found in this demographic. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and inactivity. The combination makes heart disease number one in this population.
Salt intake
Doctors have found that there is a gene that makes Blacks more sensitive to salt. Being more sensitive to salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure. In those with the genes, minimal amounts of salt could easily raise the blood pressure by 5 mmHg.
Genetics
Genetics plays a role in risks, as well. Genes can make you more prone to developing certain illnesses. Genetics and family history are also important in the development of cancer and diabetes.
Effects of smoke
The chemicals in tobacco further damage your heart and blood vessels by decreasing oxygen uptake in the body.
High blood pressure
Over 35 percent of Black adults have high blood pressure. It develops earlier in life, and is more severe in blacks than whites.
Monitor your alcohol intake
Black women should limit the amount of alcohol they drink. Alcohol contains unhealthy ingredients, and many popular drinks have large amounts of sugar.
Other News
Get enough restful sleep
In a heart study, doctors noted that half of Blacks had high blood pressure as they were sleeping. That is abnormal and is hazardous to your health. It is thought that this is due to nervous system imbalances at night. Instead of remaining calm, the body remains alert, stressed, and ready to respond to danger. Sleeping at ease reduces the strain on the heart.
How lifestyle changes affect chronic heart failure
Making the right lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of chronic heart failure, reduce its progression, and improve your daily life significantly. If you have a mild to moderate case of heart failure, some lifestyle changes can help you live an almost normal life.
Exercise regularly
Doing regular physical exercise can help improve the symptoms of heart failure. Consider getting a rehabilitation programme that is exercise-based.
Exercising regularly may also help prevent, delay, or treat other chronic conditions. Consider doing moderate exercises like quick walks for about 150 minutes every week to prevent getting chronic heart failure.
Get adequate sleep
Not getting enough sleep and rest can cause poor management of heart failure. You should sleep for at least seven hours every day — for adults. Getting enough sleep will help manage chronic heart failure and prevent other serious conditions like obesity, diabetes, and depression.
Manage stress
Stress can worsen the symptoms of chronic heart failure. Incorporating activities like yoga and meditation into your lifestyle can help to manage stress. Consider taking a class or two, but talk to your doctor before trying anything strenuous.
Eat heart-healthy food
Eating healthy can help you manage, delay, or even prevent chronic heart failure and other serious conditions like type 2 diabetes. Foods that are healthy for the heart include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats (like fish or seafood), and low-fat dairy products.
Wear appropriate clothing
If you have chronic heart failure, avoid wearing tight clothing like socks or stockings that may limit blood flow to your legs. The reduced blood flow may cause the formation of blood clots in the veins. Also, avoid wearing too much or too little clothing to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
Quit tobacco smoking
Smoking tobacco increases blood pressure and heart rate. The smoke causes blood vessels to become sticky and start clumping. Lesser oxygen-rich blood gets into circulation when you smoke. If you have heart failure, quitting tobacco smoking may help you improve the chronic heart failure symptoms.
Quitting, or not starting smoking can also help reduce the risk of getting other serious health conditions like cancer, lung disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.
Monitor your blood pressure
Keeping an eye on your blood pressure at home can help manage high blood pressure. Making a record of your blood pressure readings may help show how your situation is fairing over time.
Monitor symptoms daily
If you have chronic heart failure, try to monitor your condition and report any changes to your doctor. That will help them manage your condition more effectively.
Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol excessively exposes you to the risk of getting conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, some forms of cancers, and liver disease. Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink may reduce your chance of getting those conditions.
If you consume alcohol, consider drinking in moderation. Try reducing the amount you drink to only up to two drinks if you are male, and only one drink in a day if you are female. But if you have chronic heart failure, talk to your doctor to find out if you can take alcohol or not.
Reduce or avoid consuming caffeine
The studies on whether caffeine causes or worsens heart disease are conflicting. However, consider drinking only about one or two cups of coffee a day.
