Eight heart-health questions that could save your life

Cardiologist Beth Abramson, a spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, reveals how a little awareness — plus a healthy dose of diet and exercise — is more powerful than drugs when it comes to saving your life.

By Chatelaine

October 23, 2013

Istockphoto Q: What is heart disease? A: It’s many conditions of the heart including angina [chest], arrhythmia, heart attacks and more. Another concerning one is coronary artery disease, or atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup in the arteries. Q: What is the most common heart attack symptom? A: Chest discomfort or heaviness that radiates to your arm, jaw or throat. Get medical attention if you feel this. Q: How does excess plaque affect heart function? A: Too much plaque reduces blood flow, eventually creating chest pain [angina] that feels like squeezing, burning or suffocating. If a blood clot develops, it cuts blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack. Q: What’s the best treatment for heart disease? A: Lifestyle changes and meds, like cholesterol-lowering statins. Some may need angioplasty or surgery. Q: For prevention, where is the best place to start? A: Eat more fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Q: How do men and women deal with heart attack symptoms differently? A: Symptoms are similar, but women tend to minimize their symptoms. I’ve had several female patients come to the emergency room and say to me, “It couldn’t be my heart — maybe it’s my stomach or my gallbladder.” Q: Studies suggest women with heart disease often go undiagnosed. Why? A: It could be that doctors didn’t always have heart disease high on their radar screens for women. They’re now more aware, thanks to national awareness campaigns like thehearttruth.ca. Q: Is there one heart-health test we should insist on during annual checkups? A: Ask your doctor to check your waist circumference [heart-disease], weight and blood pressure. Then, based on your age, consider a fasting cholesterol test or blood sugar test. Let your doctor know your family history. Follow the jump to read our full heart health special report.

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