CNN recently reports that Jennie Garth, an actress known for her “Kelly” role on Beverly Hills 90210, found out in 2000 that she has a heart condition. One in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease. Even though it is largely preventable by visiting a cardiologist, one woman dies from heart disease almost every minute. In fact, more women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
Having had her father suffer a heart attack and diagnosed with arterial sclerosis at age 37, when Garth turned 30, she chose to see a cardiologist for a CT heart scan.
She committed to going every year for a checkup even though she was convinced she’d be the exception to the family gene pool. Instead, she found out that she had a leaky heart valve. It wasn’t a serious condition, but it reminded her how important it was to stay in tune with her body.
Between working and raising her three daughters, she says it can be easy to forget to take care of herself, but the reality is that 80 percent of cardiac events in women are preventable if they make the right choices for their hearts. Incorporating a healthier diet, more exercise, refraining from smoking, and scheduling a full body scan can make all the difference.
Here are ways you can choose to commit to your heart and the hearts of your family: make a doctor’s appointment every year, perhaps around your birthday. When you go to see your Los Angeles cardiologist, be prepared with a list of questions and ask about your numbers, like cholesterol and blood pressure. Also, it is important to stay active for your heart and make physical activity a family affair. Spend time together walking the dog, gardening, or even playing tag. Commit to planning balanced meals and teaching your family about healthy food choices. By teaching them these lessons now, you can prepare your children for a lifetime of healthy food decisions. Choose to breathe clean, fresh air. Kick the smoking habit once and for all. Most women don’t know that the heart is a very forgiving organ. Even if you have abused it by smoking, eating poorly, or by not exercising, you can start right now to repair it by making the right choices. For more information about heart disease prevention, contact your local cardiologists for more information.
