The Heart Truth for Lesbians (Cont.)

High Blood Cholesterol. Excess cholesterol and fat in your blood builds up in the walls of vessels that supply blood to the heart and can lead to blockages. A “lipoprotein profile” tests your levels of key types of cholesterol – total, LDL (“bad”), and HDL (“good”) cholesterol – and triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood. You can lower your cholesterol by following a heart-healthy eating plan, being physically active, maintaining a healthy

Overweight/Obesity. According to the Institute of Medicine, Lesbians tend to have a higher body mass index than non-lesbians, increasing the risk not only of heart disease but also a host of other conditions, including stroke, gallbladder disease, arthritis, and some cancers. If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss will help lower your risk. At the very least, try not to gain more weight. Lasting weight loss needs a change of lifestyle--adopt a healthy, lower-calorie eating plan and get regular physical activity. Concentrate on getting fit, and losing fat will follow. Aim to lose no more than ½ to 2 pounds per week.

Physical Inactivity. Physical activity is crucial for good health, including heart health. Try to do at least 30 minutes of a moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking on most and, preferably, all days of the week. If you need to, divide your exercise into shorter periods of at least 10 minutes. Look for activities that you enjoy.

Diabetes: About 11 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes – and another 5.7 million don’t know they have it. Two-third of those with diabetes die of a heart or blood vessel disease. Diabetes can be detected with a blood sugar test and modest changes in diet and exercise can often prevent or delay development of the disease.

Stress: In addition to the stressors of everyday life facing all women, lesbians must deal with increased stress due to anti-gay discrimination at work, in their families and in society in general. Because of this, it’s especially important for lesbians be aware of their stress levels and work to reduce them. Exercise, stress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga, support groups and good eating habits can help. If stress is a serious problem for you, ask your healthcare provider to assess your stress levels and whether counseling or medication can help.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR: 
1. What is my risk for heart disease?
2. What is my blood pressure? What does it mean for me and what do I need to do about it?
3. What are my cholesterol numbers? [including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides] What do they mean for me and what do I need to do about it?
4. What is my “body mass index” (BMI)? Does it mean I need to lose weight for my health?
5. What is my blood sugar level, and does it mean I’m at risk for diabetes? What do I need to do about it?
6. What other screening tests for heart disease do I need?
7. What can you do to help me quit smoking?
8. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
9. What’s a heart-healthy eating plan for me?
10. How can I tell if I may be having a heart attack? If I think I’m having one, what should I do?

TAKING ACTION
Now that you know the Heart Truth for Lesbians, what should you do? Begin by finding out your “risk profile.” See the box above for questions to ask your doctor. Then begin taking the steps to heart health – don’t smoke, follow a heart-healthy eating plan, be physically active, and maintain a healthy weight. Start today to keep your lesbian heart strong!

Smoking: Lesbians are more likely to smoke and often smoke more than heterosexual women. If you quit, just one year later, your heart disease risk will drop more than half. There’s no easy way to quit, and it may take many tries, but you can do it. Many organizations have LGBT-specific smoking cessation programs – ask The Mautner Project to help you find one. Medication is also available – ask your doctor

TO LEARN MORE:
The Mautner Project
National Lesbian Health Organization
Phone: 202.332.5536
www.mautnerproject.org

NHLBI Health Information Center
Phone: 301.592.8573
TTY: 240.629.3255
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth

American Health Association
Phone: 1-888-My Heart
www.americanheart.org/simplesoulutions

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
Phone: 202.728.7199
www.womenheart.org

Office on Women’s Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Women’s Health Initiative Center
Phone: 1-800-994-Women