What women need to know about heart health

Dr. Rachana
A. Kulkarni

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women causing one in three deaths in the United States every year, higher than all forms of cancer deaths in women combined.

According to the American Heart Association, women are severely underrepresented in research and clinical trials with women making up only 38% of participants in clinical cardiovascular trials. The warning signs of a heart condition present differently and more subtly in women than in men which is why it is so important women understand the risk factors, signs and symptoms unique to them. To mark American Heart Month this February, Dr. Rachana A. Kulkarni, MD, FACC, MBA, CPE outlines how common signs and symptoms for women present, how to reduce the risk of heart disease and the best time to address heart health with your doctor.

  1. When women should start to worry about heart health

It is important to take care of your heart while you are young to reduce the risk of heart problems later in life, but postmenopausal women should take extra care. After menopause women lose estrogen which can help keep plaque from building in the arteries, increasing the chance of cardiovascular problems. It is a good idea to get your heart checked and talk with your cardiologist about how to keep your heart healthy after menopause. If you have a family history of heart problems or have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoke, live a sedentary lifestyle, or are overweight it is important to get checked now and to not wait until after menopause.

  1. How women can reduce their risk of heart disease with a healthy lifestyle

“The BMI (Body Mass Index) in America is at an all-time high. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle plays a key role in heart health, especially for women. I know it can be di‡ cult to fi ll your plate with healthy fruits and vegetables and ditch salty, fatty fast food, but it is so important to have a colorful plate for a healthy heart,” Dr. Kulkarni urges.

In addition to eating healthy Dr. Kulkarni recommends:

• Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day, fi ve times a week

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoid smoking and stay away from second hand smoke

• Limit alcohol intake

• Keep up with yearly physicals and appointments with your primary care provider or cardiologist to get necessary screenings and tests

• Minimize stress and workload as much as possible

“Knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps women can take for their heart health,” commented Dr. Kulkarni. She urges women 40 and older to keep track of blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol numbers as well as being well informed of family heart health history because it could very well save your life.

For more information or to make an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiologists or cardiac surgeons, visit rwjbh.org/heart or call 1-888-724-7123.

Perfect SAT Score

During his four years at West Orange High School, Sahli Negassi balanced two sports, led two clubs, and excelled in...

DEI Benefits many Groups, not just Black and Brown Communities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs were created to support communities that have historically faced barriers to equal opportunities in...

Take a Minute. Make a Plan.

Diageo North America; Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); the National Football League(NFL); and Uber Technologies, Inc. form a unique partnership...

5 Books to Start 2025 off Right

This curated collection of books offers insights and guidance on personal growth, spirituality, and holistic well-being. From James Clear’s actionable...
Roseville Fall Festival

“Annual Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat”

Roseville Community Charter School Roseville Community Charter School hosted its annual “Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat” event on...

How to Educate Your Kids About Creating Long-Lasting Healthy Money Habits

As you solidify your New Year’s resolutions, it’s a great time to start having a...

Stay Safe from Scams

Falling victim to scams that can steal your cheer. Falling for a scam can lead...

HCCI Past, Present, and Future

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) and its affiliates continuously demonstrate a holistic approach to...

On Business, the Future, and Positive Change!

Greetings! As we enter into another holiday season, thank you to everyone who has stood...

The Small Business Pro POWER Breakfast on Mastering Business Growth – November 8th

The Featured Guest Speaker during the POWER BREAKFAST at the Park Avenue Club at the...

Neo-Nazis targeted a majority-Black town

Residents of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, have taken up arms to guard their streets after neo-Nazis targeted their town. Men in...
Read More

Hazel N. Dukes, Dies at 92

Hazel N. Dukes, a pioneering civil rights leader and longtime president of New York State’s N.A.A.C.P., died at 92 in...
Read More

Group making the Art World more Welcoming for Black Women

Black Girls In Art Spaces (BGIAS) has rapidly grown from a Dallas meetup to over 30 chapters worldwide in just...
Read More

The Black Church Has an Issue

Black churches, including Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, are struggling to attract younger members, a trend that...
Read More

Roberta Flack, Virtuoso Singer-Pianist, Dies at 88

Roberta Flack, the magnetic singer and pianist known for her soulful blend of jazz, folk, and pop, passed away at...
Read More

How to Have a Healthier Thanksgiving

As we go into the kitchen to prepare another Thanksgiving dinner, food may be more...

Running Toward Recovery:

Sy Smith’s Unexpected Journey Through Breast Cancer By R.L. Witter Sy Smith—to see her is...

RWJ Barnabas Health and Saint James Health Celebrate National Health Center Week, Open new Health Center at Newark’s East Side High School

L-R: Hasani Council, President, Newark School Board; Helena Vinhas, Newark School Board member; Ketlen Baptiste-Alsbrook...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time for reflection on trends in breast...