Explore women's heart health in the June issue of Santé magazine—yes, a woman's heart truly functions differently from a man's. We consulted David Smeekes, a general practitioner with the Heart Foundation, for his expert insights on three crucial questions.
"Your heart is one of the most vital organs in your body. When it's healthy, you can exert yourself effortlessly without noticing the effort it takes. But if your heart isn't healthy, even minor activities can become overwhelming, severely impacting your quality of life. Many heart patients face long-term limitations."
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"If you exercise without issues or complaints, there's little reason to suspect heart problems. However, take any symptoms seriously and consult your doctor—even subtle ones. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key: monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Balanced levels significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease."
"Regular exercise benefits your heart, blood vessels, and overall health. The more frequent, longer, and intense, the better. It helps control weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves the balance of good and bad cholesterol. Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity weekly, plus muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises twice a week."
