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Health Screenings EVERY WOMAN NEEDS

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential component for bone health and cell growth. It also supports neuromuscular and immune function, according to the National Institutes of Health. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, which causes fragile and weak bones. Vitamin D deficiency may also cause lack of energy or low metabolism. Although vitamin D deficiency may go undiagnosed without annual screenings, it can be easily treated with an oral supplement.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer most commonly affects women between the ages of 35 and 44, according to the American Cancer Society. As with any health issue, early detection is key. It is crucial for women to begin annual pap testing at the age of 21. This screening can detect abnormalities in the cervix, which may indicate early stages of cervical cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends getting a pap test done once every three years. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to make your health a top priority. Preventive medicine is one of the best ways to ensure optimal health. One of the ways to do this is through annual screenings, which can detect health problems during their early stages. This allows your health care team to provide the best treatments possible before a condition becomes serious. While there are certain health screenings that everyone needs--such as your annual physical and fasting labs—there are several screenings that are particularly important for women:

Mammogram

A mammogram is a type of x-ray exam used to detect breast cancer. Although some women may have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer, this screening allows for early detection. The National Cancer Institute recommends women start annual mammogram screenings in their mid-40s. Depending on one’s family history, prior health history, and genetics, it may be beneficial to start screenings even earlier.

Depression

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. According to the Mayo Clinic, “women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.” Puberty, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy, and menopause are all factors that increase women’s risk for depression. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends using the Patient Health Questionnaire to determine one’s risk for a depressive disorder. This allows the physician to then determine the best treatment plan.

Women make up half of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet it wasn’t until 1993 that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began including women in government funded research. Since then, researchers have discovered key differences in disease prevention and diagnosis between men and women. This includes the prevalence of cardiovascular disease amongst both sexes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “heart disease is sometimes thought of as a man’s disease, however almost as many women as men die of heart disease in the United States.” Although heart disease affects both sexes equally, the presentation of symptoms can be quite different. This might cause women to be diagnosed less often with heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heart attack symptoms, for example, may seem less obvious in women than in men. Most men usually experience chest pain and shortness of breath during a heart attack. Women may experience more subtle symptoms that are not chest pain related, such as jaw or neck pain, nausea, indigestion, 12 THE HEART OF JACKSONVILLE | Issue 10 2022 Issue 10 2022 | THE HEART OF JACKSONVILLE 13

The Scientific Evolution of Women’s Health FAST and fatigue, according to the American Heart Association. With these advances in research, women can now recognize symptoms of FACTS heart disease early on and seek life-saving treatment. Healthcare providers play a critical role in understanding women’s risk Although for cardiovascular disease. For example, preeclampsia, which heart disease causes high blood pressure during affects pregnancy, might increase women’s both sexes risk for developing heart disease. You are your equally, the Age is also an important factor in identifying cardiovascular disease numbers! presentation in women. Post-menopausal of symptoms can be quite different. women are more likely to develop heart disease due to the decrease in their estrogen levels, according to the National Institutes of Health. For women between 40 and 64, it is important for women to have their blood Diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease can also differ pressure checked at least once between men and women. Women’s every two years. High blood cardiovascular structure can affect the interpretation of diagnostic studies. Women pressure can lead to stroke, heart tend to have smaller arteries, which can be a attack and heart failure, let alone little harder to evaluate. As medicine continues to evolve, healthcare kidney failure and a variety of providers should be cognizant of these other diseases. You are your differences when evaluating female patients who are also at risk for heart disease. numbers!

— Dr. Andrea DeNeen

Non-Invasive Cardiologist