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Never Miss a Beat With Kelsey-Seybold
Dr. Puttappa says reducing your risk of heart disease begins with understanding the factors that may lead to a heart attack. These include age, heredity, history of a previous heart attack, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, stress, high triglyceride levels, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Many women don’t recognize these warning signs of heart attack:
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Unusual fatigue
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Pain or pressure in the back, high chest or one or both arms
- Discomfort in the chest that may be described as pressure, ache, or tightness that may come and go
- A burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
Dr. Puttappa says there are several lifestyle changes women can make to reduce their risk of heart disease.
“Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, maintain a healthy weight, quit or don’t start smoking and eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt,” she suggests. “Also, be sure you take prescribed medications such as blood thinners like aspirin and cholesterol- lowering medication appropriately.”
Rupa Puttappa, MD, FACC
Dr. Rupa Puttappa is a cardiologist at the Berthelsen Main Campus, Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center, Summer Creek Clinic, and The Woodlands. She joined Kelsey-Seybold in April, 2007.
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