Q: I’m only 45, but my doctor says that I need to focus on my heart health — make sure my cholesterol level remains healthy (my LDL level is 75 mg/dL, just a bit high) and that I don’t have other risk factors. Is it really necessary? — Melissa D., San Diego
A: Around 22% of women who have heart attacks are under age 65 and that number is increasing. Add to that a 2024 study that found that women age 65 and younger have about twice the risk of in-hospital death from a heart attack as similarly aged men and early double the risk of rehospitalization in the year immediately after a heart attack. Your doctor is smart to suggest that you pay attention to your cardiovascular health.
Doing that does mean keeping tabs on your lousy LDL cholesterol, making sure to dodge excess saturated fat, fried, sugary and highly processed foods, and getting regular exercise five days a week. And it’s smart to take a statin if your LDL is high. But clogged arteries aren’t the only concern when it comes to younger women’s heart health.
A study in JACC tracked younger women over 15 years and found that, when they have a heart attack, it’s often not caused by clogged-up arteries (that’s what most men experience) but is related to an imbalance between the heart muscle’s oxygen supply and demand, a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, an embolism (blood clot) or prolonged constriction of an artery that reduces blood supply to the heart.
Making sure your circulation system functions well means making sure your blood is oxygenated and blood vessel walls are smooth and flexible. You can do this with a healthy diet and by not smoking anything, getting daily aerobic exercise and doing resistance exercises, managing respiratory allergies and asthma and doing relaxing, deep-breathing routines. It is also important to stay well-hydrated. For help, there’s my book, “The Great Age Reboot,” and my blog at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Q: I want to follow your advice about the importance of having a posse, but it’s tough to get started. So many of my friends and family have moved away (or died!), and I need to make new connections. Any specific suggestions? — David F., Nashville
A: I’m so glad you recognize that you need to find ways to expand your support system and connections with other folks. A major World Health Organization study makes it clear that having a posse (they call it social connections) helps protect your health by reducing inflammation, improving mental health and reducing your risk of premature death. Loneliness, on the other hand, actually increases your risk of depression, anxiety, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services says it’s as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
Another interesting study just out from the American Psychological Association reveals that just knowing you have a posse helps you thrive. Folks who feel they have support are less likely to develop obesity and diabetes or mental health challenges, they do better at work and in school, and take fewer foolish risks with their well-being.
There are many ways to build a posse: by reaching out to folks to reestablish connections; by joining groups (say, pickleball) or taking classes or lessons; and by volunteering for a local cause that inspires you — everything from a community garden to a church-based soup kitchen.
The American Psychological Association has a new study that says that if you are lonely, it is also important to consider adding cognitive behavioral therapy to your support team — it can help you identify your personal obstacles to making connections and offer techniques to make it easier for you.
4YOUngevity.com also offers you a community that is working together to improve the quality of everyone’s life — physically and emotionally — and to make it fun to be healthier and happier. Please join me there and through my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow,” and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at [email protected].
King Features Syndicate
