We tend to associate heart disease with men, but it’s also a women’s disease, said Kelsie Bond, a Memorial Regional Health Physician Assistant specializing in cardiology care.

In fact, cardiovascular disease is the Number 1 health risk to women in the United States. One in three women’s deaths is caused by cardiovascular disease — more than all forms of cancer combined.

But the good news, added Bond, is that a little prevention and attention go a long way to safeguarding cardiovascular health. February is American Heart Month, so now’s a good time to check in on your heart health.

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Do you have risk factors?

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, or if you smoke, are overweight or inactive, you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease. Older age and family history are also key risk factors.

If you have any risk factors, Bond recommends that you see your primary-care provider for a check-up. They’ll take your blood pressure and may order blood tests to measure cholesterol and blood sugar. They’ll also discuss your family history, health habits and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

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“Many people are surprised to learn that their blood pressure is high,” Bond said. “They may be having headaches, dizziness, vision changes or generalized fatigue, but they don’t realize it’s because their blood pressure is elevated.”

Depending on risk factors and symptoms, sometimes further testing is warranted. MRH offers EKGs, echocardiograms and stress tests on-site. Bond, who has been a general PA for seven years and has focused on cardiology for the last four years, typically sees cardiology patients first to conduct these screenings.

Once test results have been reviewed, patients are then seen by cardiologist Dr. Frank Laws, who practices at Valley View Heart & Vascular Center in Glenwood Springs and travels to MRH one day a month to see patients in Craig. The procedures that are completed prior to the appointment ensure the appointment with Dr. Laws is beneficial.

Start small to improve heart health

Many cardiovascular disease risk factors can be improved. Prescribed medication can help keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control. MRH primary-care providers can also offer patients assistance in quitting smoking, losing weight and getting more physical activity.

“As adults, we generally know what we have to do to make our bodies more healthy,” Bond said. “The hard part is the change. Changing your diet is hard. Quitting smoking is hard. Adding an exercise routine is hard.”

So Bond suggests to her patients that they start small. “It takes two weeks to create a habit,” she said. “Focus on one thing at a time instead of the whole picture. Making too many changes at once can be discouraging, and people often get overwhelmed.”

Notice Symptoms

In addition to practicing good basic self-care — eating well, exercising at least 30 minutes a day, getting an annual exam — Bond urges women to pay attention to their stress levels and their bodies.

“If any new symptoms come up, see your provider,” she said. Women’s heart disease symptoms can be different than men’s. For example, women who are having a heart attack often report jaw pain, back pain, right-sided arm pain, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness and/or sweating instead of the crushing chest pain that typically gets attributed to having a heart attack.

Women’s cardiovascular health at MRH

To make an appointment for a general wellness exam with your primary care provider, call 970-826-2400.

For cardiovascular screening with Kelsie Bond, PA-C, call Craig Medical Clinic at 970-826-2400.