Estrogen and Heart Disease
The correlation between estrogen and heart disease has been in the forefront of modern medicine for years. Heart disease was thought to be a "man's" disease. It killed more men than women and usually at a much earlier age. Experts believe that younger women are at a lesser risk for heart disease because estrogen protects them from the killer. Unfortunately, during menopause the ovaries produce less estrogen, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease in women dramatically. Menopause effects the cholesterol levels in women, as well. The good cholesterol known as HDL is increased when estrogen is present in the body, the LDL levels or bad cholesterol is moderated by estrogen. As a woman reaches post-menopause, the bad cholesterol out weighs the good; this can clog arteries and prevent proper circulation; which leads to heart attach, stroke, or death.
Hormone Replacement
Most physicians relied on the common sense approach that increasing a woman's estrogen levels through hormone replacement therapy during and following menopause would then provide a cushion against the likelihood of heart disease. However, studies have shown just the opposite in recent years. For the most part, studies indicate that hormone replacement therapy actually increases a woman's risk of heart disease. This ironic turn of events has left the medical world in turmoil. Some physicians still believe that estrogen plays an important role in protecting younger women against heart disease. Some stand firm on their beliefs that HRT can help reduce the risk of heart disease in older women. They believe that factors such as blood pressure should be monitored, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating right and exercising. Physicians that still support HRT for reducing risks of heart disease in women feel that HRT should be used as an aid in reducing the risk; not the answer. However, other physicians view the recent studies and choose alternative methods of prevention for their patients.
There are various forms of heart disease that affects women. A heart disease can be classified as any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. Over one half of all women over the age of 50 will die from some type of heart disease. The most common form of heart disease is Coronary artery disease, also known as Coronary heart disease. Causes for heart diseases center around the circulatory system; for example hypertension or high blood pressure; abnormal functioning of the heart valves, the abnormal rhythm of the heart, and weakening of the heart causing it to not pump blood efficiently. Although, some causes may be present at birth known as congenital heart diseases, lifestyle and risk factors cause most heart diseases. The risk factors include obesity, poor eating habits, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, family history, and age. Although some of the risk factors are uncontrollable, there are some critical changes that can be made to help eliminate the risks of heart disease.
- Stop Smoking
- Regulating the blood pressure, though diet or medication
- Regulating cholesterol levels, through diet or medication
- Exercising regularly and increasing physical activity
- Maintaining a normal body weight or within 15% of one's normal body weight
- If you are a diabetic, keep glucose levels regulated
- Reducing stress
- Maintaining a healthy diet and taking supplements or vitamins
- Regular check-ups with a physician
Seeing a physician
Diagnosing a heart disease can be done by a physician. Often times, heart diseases have few symptoms that are why it's important to get regular check-ups with your doctor. The doctor will review your health history, your family's health history, perform a physical exam which will include checking cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight. He or she will ask questions regarding your lifestyle, like smoking or eating habits. If your physician feels that further tests are needed, he or she may order an EKG or Electrocardiogram, which records the electrical activity of the heart. It can detect abnormal rhythms of the heart, as well as abnormal heart rates. It can also determine if the heart is getting enough oxygen and blood. Often times, a stress test is ordered to evaluate the heart's response to physical activity. An individual is connected to an EKG monitor and blood pressure monitor during this test. Other tests may be ordered following these initial ones.
Treatments
Treatments for heart disease can range according to the severity of the condition. Often diet and lifestyle changes are first recommended, often times the introduction of cholesterol and high blood pressure medicine may follow. As stated earlier, most hormone therapy medications are no longer prescribed to decrease the risks of heart disease. In many circumstances, physicians will prescribe medications that will alter the circulation process. Nitrates dilate the arteries that supply blood to the heart; nitrates can increase the flow of oxygen and blood to the heart. Beta-blockers are prescribed to slow down the heart rate and decrease the heart's workload. Aspirin is also recommended for patients, aspirin thins the blood and stops the blood from clotting in the arteries. Many physicians prescribe an aspirin a day for treatment. If a physician finds that their patient may benefit greatly from surgery, he or she may recommend some type of surgical method to alleviate heart conditions. At present time, there are no "cures" for heart disease, only options regarding treatment and prevention.
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