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November 2006 - ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH AWARENESS

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH AWARENESS

Stress, Additional Pounds Can Be Potential Health Risks for Many Women

Barrington, Illinois (November XX, 2006) – As the holiday season begins its shift into overdrive, the woman who is busy wrapping, driving, cooking and celebrating is forgetting a very important person:  herself.    Midwest Heart Specialists, one of the largest cardiovascular physician groups in Illinois, reminds women that taking time to assess one’s risk for heart disease can be the best holiday gift you give yourself and your family.

“Women shoulder tremendous responsibilities during the holidays, serving as organizers, shoppers, chefs, caregivers and entertainers. The additional stress and weight gain often associated with the holidays can pose concern for women at risk for heart disease,” said Dr. Ellyn Jansyn M.D., cardiologist with Midwest Heart Specialists.

Medical research indicates that more women die from heart disease than all types of cancer and other ailments combined, said Dr. Robert Hendel, M.D., Midwest Heart cardiologist . “The symptoms of heart disease may be unrecognized and many women think that they are note at risk for this life threatening problem,” said Dr. Hendel.“A heart evaluation should be done on all women, especially those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a strong family history of heart disease. Fortunately, there are steps every woman can take to reduce her risk for subsequent problems.”  

Although women are becoming more aware of the risks, there is considerable room for improvement said Dr. Hendel.

According to the American Heart Association:

  • Only 13 percent of women view heart disease as a health threat, even though it is the No. 1 cause of death for women
  • One in 2.5 women will die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 30 women who will die from breast cancer
  • Women wait longer to call for help when having a heart attack, severely impacting their recovery.

Midwest Heart Specialists is working to bring attention to the often neglected issue of a woman’s risk of heart disease by offering a heart risk assessment designed for women.   

The Women’s Heart Health Assessment provides a personalized evaluation by a team of experts, lead by a Midwest Heart Specialists cardiologist who has a special interest in women’s heart health.  Total cholesterol, blood pressure and an EKG are just several of the components that are included in the assessment.

“The holidays are a time to create family memories together with loved ones,” said Dr. Jansyn.  “By understanding their heart risk, women can take proactive steps to minimize their chances of developing heart disease and give the best gift of all to themselves and their families…their health.”

To learn more about the Women’s Heart Risk Assessment or to schedule an appointment   call 847-829-1626. 

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Midwest Heart Specialists is a group of 55 cardiovascular physicians, including board certified cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart failure specialists, interventional radiologists and vascular medicine specialist offering comprehensive heart care. The group has office locations in the northwest and western suburbs of Chicago and Rockford.  The northwest offices are located in Fox River Grove, Hoffman Estates and Algonquin.