We should all be aware of the symptoms of heart disease.
Some of them are subtle, especially in women.
Knowing what they are and what they mean could save your life.
One problem with recognizing the symptoms is that they are gender based.
Men get what's called the "classic symptoms.
" Shortness of breath, chest pain, pressure, pain in the jaw, left arm and left side of the back are all major indicators of a problem.
Of these, women are likely only to experience shortness of breath and maybe some pressure.
Unusual fatigue, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and indigestion are the most likely symptoms in a woman.
This makes it difficult to diagnose because so many other problems could be the cause.
Why am I pointing out these symptoms? Paying attention to them now may prevent major complications...
including death...
from occurring.
Finding out it is something more benign like acid indigestion would be a blessing.
Your cardiovascular system affects every other system in your body.
It carries oxygen through all of your body, picks up carbon dioxide and takes it to the lungs to be expelled.
It carries white blood cells to areas of infection to fight it off and helps hormones get from one place to another as needed.
Heart disease is a catchall name for anything that limits the functions above.
High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and damage to the heart itself are some of the more common aspects of it.
There are things you can do to prevent damage to your body from heart disease.
Watching your diet is important, even though it may be a struggle.
We live in a fast paced world and our diet seems to show it.
Make sure to eat enough fiber and avoid saturated fat and additional cholesterol whenever you can.
Don't forget to exercise.
Even if you have disabilities, there are programs that you can use.
Water aerobics are a good example, as are "chair-robics.
" The latter is done while seated, which can prevent falls.
You may want to consider supplements as well.
Omega-3 fatty acids and garlic are good choices.
See if you can work some oats into your diet as well.
Even a bowl of an oat cereal a day is a good idea.
The FDA allows products containing oats to make the claim that it can lower LDL cholesterol.
It's a good idea to discuss all of this with your doctor.
You can tell the doctor about other health problems and any medications/supplements you use.
The doctor can help you choose the right exercise program and may be able to advise you on which supplements are right for you.