Although the prevailing sentiment these days is that 40 is the new 30, the reality is women entering the fifth decade of their lives have higher risks of suffering from certain diseases. Therefore, it’s essential they are vigilant about getting regularly screened for issues. Here are two Women’s Health Care screenings recommended for women over 40.
Heart Disease Screenings
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America, and the number one cause of death for women. In 2009 alone, over 292,000 women died from heart disease according to the Center for Disease Control. Getting regular heart-related screenings can help catch problems early enough to avoid becoming another statistic.
Specifically, experts recommend women get their blood pressure checked a minimum of every 2 years. Blood pressure indicates how hard the heart is working to push blood through the body. A high number typically indicates heart problems or disease.
Women should also have their cholesterol levels checked a minimum of every 5 years. Cholesterol is a compound found in the body and certain foods. There are two types: one bad (LDL) and one good (HDL). Too much bad cholesterol in the body may lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and damage to the heart.
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose density, become brittle, and easily fracture. About 1 in 3 women over 50 will suffer fractures related to the development of osteoporosis.
Women start naturally losing bone density at around middle age. This happens for a variety of reasons including changes in activity levels (e.g. less exercise) and reduced production of certain hormones.
Getting regular screenings is critical to detecting the issue early and preventing it from becoming a problem. However, the frequency of testing depends on the results. Women with good bone density results may be able to wait 15 years between screenings while women with poor results should get screened every year. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for a more specific recommendation.
To learn about other Women’s Health Care screenings women over 40 should get, contact the medical professionals at Allegheny Medical Integrated Health Services. You can follow them on Google+.
