Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Winter 2018

ARCHBOLD.ORG • WINTER 2018 13 HEART DISEASES and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. In Southwest Georgia, an estimated 530 women died from cardiovascular disease in 2017, and an estimated 44 million women in the United States are affected by cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, women can take steps to under- stand their unique symptoms and reduce their risk of heart disease. Lifestyle changes and edu- cation can prevent 80 percent of heart disease and stroke events in women. “Several traditional risk factors— such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity—affect both women and men. Other factors may play a bigger role in the develop- ment of heart disease in women,” said Kashyap Choksi, MD, cardiolo- gist at Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia. These factors include diabetes, tobacco use, mental stress and depression, inactivity, and menopause. “Exercising regularly along with maintaining a healthy diet are two ways that women can Women: What you need to knowabout heart disease reduce their risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Choksi. According to the American Heart Association, women should get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic or cardio exercise daily, along with having a heart-healthy diet. Women can also dramatically reduce their risk of disease by having a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. “Quitting smoking and tobacco use or not starting at all will also significantly reduce the risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Choksi. A woman’s chance of having a heart attack doubles if she smokes as few as one to four cigarettes per day. Even if a woman does not smoke, regular exposure to someone else’s smoke can increase her risk. “Women also need to visit their pri- mary care physician or regular doctor at least once a year for a checkup,” said Dr. Choksi. “If nontraditional heart disease symptoms, such as heartburn, shortness of breath with routine activity, and new tiredness with activity, have become regular, a discussion with their doctor is recommended.” Kashyap Choksi, MD Cardiologist Are you at risk for heart disease? Join us at the Live Better Heart and Sole screening event on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8 to 10am at the Ritz Amphitheater in downtown Thomasville. Clinicians will perform free blood pressure checks, as well as glucose and cholesterol screenings (blood sample). For best results, do not drink sweetened liquids or eat for at least six hours prior to screening.