A patient in her young 40s recently shared her fears about breast cancer. She had no symptoms, but struggled with obesity, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. Her blood sugars were above normal and there was no effort on her part to exercise. Despite her risks, she was more afraid of breast cancer than heart disease. In a national survey of US women, sixty percent believed they were more likely to die of breast cancer than heart disease. In reality, about one in 27 women will die of breast cancer, but one in two women die of heart disease.
My patient was encouraged to see her OB/GYN doctor, and we began to concentrate on her cardiac risk factors. Risk factors can lead to heart disease, which can lead to chest pains and heart attacks. There are modifiable risks (things we can change) such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, sedentary life style, and obesity. There are also non-modifiable risks (things we cannot change) such as gender, age and family history.
Though there is no sure-fire recipe for good health, there is a sound method of reducing risks and thereby decreasing the likelihood of cardiac events in both men and women. I informed my patient that regular physical activity can improve one’s chances of living longer and healthier. It helps protect you from developing heart disease or its precursor, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It helps protect you from developing certain cancers, including colon and breast cancer. It helps prevent or control type 2 diabetes. It helps prevent the insidious loss of bone known as osteoporosis. And it relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety.
But what’s the right activity level and amount for each person? Though it is true that getting a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity is beneficial, where does one begin? How many days a week does one exercise? Is exercising for everyone?
My patient and I had a wonderful talk. And after undergoing a stress test in our office, we will formulate a regimen specifically designed for her in pursuit of a healthy life.
For further information on your cardiovascular health, contact Dr. Kojoglanian (serving both Henry Mayo and Holy Cross Hospitals) and make an appointment at 24868 Apple Street, Suite 103, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 or call 661-259-1711.