Swedish Medical Center | Swedish Cares | Issue 3

501 E. Hampden Ave. Englewood, CO 80113 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Swedish Medical Center Cancer is personal So is our compassionate, customized care. Swedish is with you all the way—together we’ll conquer cancer. page 7 2. Lifestyle is important. Day-to-day patterns such as eating a poor diet, sitting for most of the day, and carrying extra pounds can increase your risk of heart disease. Exercise is important—both for your overall health and well-being and lowering your risk of heart disease. Your heart is a muscle that becomes stronger with physical activity. But think big picture too. Eat smart—build your diet around produce, whole grains, legumes, fish and low-fat dairy products. Go easy on sweets, salt (sodium), and fatty or red processed meats. Don’t smoke, and find a healthy way to manage stress. “And be sure to keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and ask your doctor where you stand,” says Dr. Jarvie. 3. Know your heart disease risk factors as a woman. “Women have risk factors that are unique to being a woman,” Dr. Jarvie says. For example, if you have a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, problems getting pregnant, high blood pressure during pregnancy, pre- eclampsia or gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of heart disease. “You should tell your doctor about any problems you had with pregnancy or getting pregnant, because these may increase your risk of heart disease,” she says. Women: Understand your risk of heart disease Quick: What’s the No. 1 killer of American women? If you don’t know, you’re hardly alone. Nearly half of all women in a national survey didn’t know the right answer: heart disease. Many women would incorrectly say breast cancer, but more women die of heart disease each year than from all cancers combined. Here are three crucial things you need to know: 1. Heart disease affects women of all ages. It’s true, your risk does increase with age, especially after menopause. But heart disease can start early— even teens can get it. In fact, young women who smoke and use birth control pills, an especially risky combination, raise their risk of heart disease. And even if you lead a totally heart-healthy lifestyle, being born with a heart condition or having a family history of heart disease can heighten your risk of heart problems. “That’s why no matter what your age, see your doctor regularly for checkups and don’t leave without a heart-to-heart talk,“ says cardiologist Jennifer Jarvie, MD . “Ask your doctor about your risk of getting heart disease and how to lower it.” ➤ ➤ KNOW YOUR RISK. Your doctor can help you stay healthy. Call today for an appointment with Dr. Jarvie at 303-409-1430 .