The biggest missed opportunity in women’s health (and it’s not your hormones for once).
Mar 28, 2024
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Women's heart health is the number one health risk for women, often overlooked and misunderstood. The podcast discusses the importance of understanding the unique risk factors, navigating health conversations, and empowering women to prioritize their heart health. Personal experiences and expert insights shed light on the misconceptions and challenges faced by women in addressing their cardiovascular well-being.
Women's heart health is the number one health risk, with specific factors like pregnancy history influencing status.
Empowerment and self-advocacy are vital in women's heart health, encouraging proactive steps and informed decisions.
Deep dives
Importance of Preventative Heart Health for Women
Taking steps towards preventing cardiovascular disease is crucial for women, especially considering the specific risk factors like pregnancy history, premature menopause, and transitions during menopause. Even simple lifestyle changes like incorporating regular exercise, such as 20-minute walks, and following a plant-based diet can significantly benefit heart health. Women are encouraged to start early, advocate for themselves with healthcare providers, and prioritize their own well-being.
Significance of Family History and Unique Risk Factors
Women need to communicate important family history and unique risk factors like a significant family history of cardiovascular events with their healthcare providers. These factors can lead to early screening and tailored interventions to reduce the risk of heart disease. Understanding personal risk profiles can guide individuals towards preventative measures and proactive health management.
Empowerment and Advocacy in Women's Health
Empowerment and self-advocacy play a vital role in women's heart health. Encouraging women to ask questions, seek information, and engage in conversations about their health can lead to informed decisions and proactive steps towards better cardiovascular health. By taking charge of their health and making small, sustainable changes, women can enhance their overall well-being and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Accessing Resources and Support for Women's Heart Health
Accessing resources like the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance and seeking out healthcare providers well-versed in women's cardiovascular care are essential steps in managing heart health. Connecting with practitioners who prioritize women's health and provide tailored guidance can help women navigate preventive measures, understand their risk factors, and receive necessary support for improved heart health outcomes.
If we ask a room full of women what their greatest health risk is they either can’t answer, or answer breast cancer.
If we ask people what a typical heart patient looks like, they often have an immediate vision of a man.
If we cram women’s health into a 7-minute health appointment, we probably aren’t asking her about her pregnancy history.
This, is the bad news of women’s heart health.
The good news is, we can change your path. If you listen to this conversation.
Heart health is a woman’s number one health risk, and oftentimes, she’s carrying around sex-specific risk factors (like pregnancy history) that influence her status. In this episode, I’m joined by Cardiac Nurse and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Olivia Greenspan who shares her experience on both ends of the spectrum, and why she’s so passionate about teaching you the basics about heart health.
We cover the risk factors nobody has asked you about, how to approach your health care appointments and why you need to start making changes today.
Olivia practices in Ontario and you can find her on her website or on Instagram where she shares practical and pragmatic advice about women’s heart health, especially around menopause.