Heart disease, cancer and COVID-19 remain top killers in U.S.
While much of the focus has been on the COVID-19 pandemic for the last two years, heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States.
February is National Heart Month which puts the focus on heart health.
“We know about 80% of heart disease is preventable with lifestyle modifications. You can’t change genetics but these risk factors can be modified and improved with lifestyle changes,’’ said Dr. Amy O’Neil, a cardiologist at McLaren Oakland Hospital.
In 2020, the three leading causes of death in the U.S. were heart disease (696,962), cancer (602,350) and COVID-19 (350-831), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, according to the CDC.
More women die from cardiovascular disease than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat, according to the American Heart Association.
Symptoms of a heart attack are different for men and women.
“Women can a lot of times not have the typical symptoms of heart disease like chest pain or pressure. They are more likely to have nausea or dizziness, feeling more fatigued, they can get neck and jaw pain and feel shortness of breath,’’ O’Neil said. “These are non-specific symptoms so a lot of times women are more likely to ignore these symptoms and that can lead to heart attack.’’
It’s a broad range of symptoms which means any feeling of not feeling yourself could be more serious going on with the heart.
O’Neil said often the symptoms can be worse with activity.
“If these symptoms don’t go away and symptoms get worse or last longer and longer then that would be an indication to seek medical attention,’’ O’Neil said.
The sooner a heart attack gets treated the better the outcome.
While genetics play a role in heart disease for men and women, a healthy lifestyle can prevent heart disease.
“The vast majority of heart disease is preventable and is related to lifestyle,’’ O’Neil said.
She said main risk factors include diabetes which must be kept under control. Regular exercise is key along with a heart-healthy diet which means less fatty and high-salt food and more lean meats like fish and chicken. Cholesterol checks are important along with taking cholesterol medication if needed. Keeping blood pressure under control is a part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Maintaining a healthy weight is very important as well and certainly if you smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for overall health and heart health,’’ O’Neil said.
The risk for heart disease increases with age but it also affects younger people.
“We’re seeing more and more women under the age of 50 developing heart disease. So anyone can have a heart attack at any age,’’ O’Neil said. “It is more common when you’re older but don’t ignore your symptoms because you’re younger.’’
She attributes younger women having heart disease at least in part due to lifestyle.
Like everything, heart disease has been impacted by COVID.
“We have seen an increase in heart attacks or damage to the heart with COVID, we’ve also seen unfortunately with COVID restrictions and isolation, patients not getting the proper care with heart attacks,’’ O’Neil said. “People are concerned about going to the hospital and seeking medical care, but if you feel something is wrong and you’re having a heart attack, it’s important despite all of the COVID numbers to seek medical attention. We are seeing patients afraid to go to the ER and then they end up having worse heart attacks.’’
At that point the risk of not getting a heart attack treated is much higher.