LETHBRIDGE – Women must take greater responsibility for their health
care, said a Lethbridge doctor at a women’s health forum this fall.
They need to ask more questions about their health and should learn
what level of care is available in their region, said Dr. Ali Zentner.
A Health Canada survey found 81 percent of women incorrectly believe
their greatest health risk is breast cancer, when heart disease is the
No. 1 killer. More women have mammograms than a cholesterol assessment.
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“We die more often, we have greater risk of coronary artery disease, we
have poorer management, we have poor identification and once we are
diagnosed, we are treated less aggressively. We have greater
disabilities and poorer outcomes,” said Zentner.
By age 75, most Canadian women will have at least one risk factor
leading to heart disease.
There are ways women can reduce their vulnerability.
A major problem facing many is the type of care they receive. Their
symptoms may be dismissed by doctors, resulting in a more serious
attack with more heart muscle damage than men.
Women tend to be 10 years older than the average man having a first
heart attack. Women may also disregard the early warning signs.
“If you are having symptoms, you need to get to a doctor,” Zentner said.
Women must assess their risks for cardiovascular disease. These include
smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
“If we stop smoking we can save our lives,” said Zentner.
Smoking rates are dropping among middle-aged women, but are increasing
among teenaged girls. Those who give up tobacco see a turnaround in
their risk within three years.
High cholesterol is another factor. A simple blood test can check
several factors including high density lipoproteins or HDL, which is
the “good” cholesterol and low density lipoproteins, or LDL, the “bad”
cholesterol. Women under the age of 65 with increased LDL are at
greater risk for a heart attack.
There are several effective cholesterol medications to reduce heart
risk.
However, there are side effects like abnormal liver function and muscle
pain. These show up within three months of starting a medication, so
liver function must be checked regularly to guard against harmful
effects.
High blood pressure is common among African American and Canadian
aboriginal women. Probably four million Canadian women have high blood
pressure.
“It is a disease that doesn’t go away so you can’t go off your
medication,” warned Zentner.
Blood pressure may increase because of menopause, obesity or other
hormonal factors. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout a woman’s life
cycle.
Zentner said women should aim for a blood pressure reading of less than
140/90 for normal patients. Diabetics need to be less than 130/85 and
people with higher risk factors should aim for less than 135/85.
“As you get older, the top number goes up and increases risk.”
Patients are often reluctant to ask for the reading but they have a
right to know.
Diabetics are at higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Eight percent
of Canadian adults are diabetic.
Obesity is another condition adding to heart disease risk. Zentner
estimates 26 percent of Canadian women are overweight or obese.
“As we get bigger, our risk of cardiovascular disease increases,” she
said.
Losing five kilograms can lower blood pressure. Weight loss can be
achieved with a balanced diet combined with simple exercise like
walking. She recommends a brisk walk that lasts 20 minutes a day.
Patients can start with 10 minutes a day.
“Everyone has 10 minutes a day to walk. You don’t have to run,” she
said.
Those suffering hip problems should try water aerobics. There is no
stress on joints and participants receive a good workout. Walking at
work, doing housework or having sex do not count as exercise.
“If you are having vigorous sex for 20-30 minutes every day, you go
girl. But you have to do it every day.”
Diet plans and aids may work temporarily, but true weight loss means a
lifestyle change.
“It has to be a program that you can see yourself doing 30 years from
now,” Zentner said.
Obesity also increases the risk of cancer and leads to some social
problems. Studies show obese women suffer more from depression, have
lower education and subsequently, lower paying jobs.
