Hi all

More and more, in the news, I have seen reports of incidences of heart disease going undetected in women. This is a very personal subject for me because my grandmother, who lived with us until I was eighteen years old, died of heart disease. Not one doctor detected that she had it and yet when she passed away over 50% of her heart had been affected. I received the call that she was in the hospital and before I could even buy a plane ticket she was gone.

One of the reasons that heart disease goes undetected is because the amount of blockage seems to be less  than in men, so many doctors don’t do enough follow up. Women also tend to let things go. We are so busy taking care of our family and careers that we forget to double check and make sure that we are ok. Here are a few things that you can do to improve your heart health and make sure that you get adequate health care:

1) Eat foods high in omega 3 like sushi and sashimi.

2) Eat foods that contain onions. Yes I know it isn’t great for your breath but they are thought to be very good for your heart. So have your meal and then some mint tea afterwards. ( The mint will settle your stomach and freshen your breath).

Here is a list of 25 heart healthy foods: http://www.webmd.com/solutions/healthy-heart-guide/top-foods

3) If you feel any tightness or odd sensations in your chest, tell your doctor immediately. Insist on getting an EKG and a stress test from a qualified cardiologist. Your doctor may just think it is heartburn and maybe he or she is right but why take chances. The earlier this is diagnosed the better.

4) If your doctor is not the type to listen to your concerns find a new doctor. This is your health and your money is paying for insurance so you deserve the best health care available.

Every one of you who read my blog is important to me. Do yourself and your family a favor by taking care of your health.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Tags: Ask the Experts, Women's Health