Heart Health and Breast Health: Understanding the Connection
February is a great time to focus on heart health; women often don’t realize how closely heart and breast health are linked. The good news is that the same healthy habits that protect your heart can also help your breasts.
The same factors that increase your risk for heart disease can also raise your risk for breast cancer. Carrying extra weight, not exercising enough, and having an unhealthy diet can increase your chances of both.
Carrying extra weight, especially around your waist, causes your body to make more estrogen and other hormones that can help some breast cancers grow. That extra weight also puts more strain on your heart, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Inflammation in your body affects both your heart and your breasts. If inflammation persists too long, it can damage your blood vessels and create an environment where cancer cells can grow. The good news is that when you address one set of risk factors, you’re often helping with the other, too. Our team at New York Breast Health can help you understand your personal risk factors and develop a plan that works for you.
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to care for both your heart and your breasts. Being active can strengthen your heart, help control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep your hormones balanced. These benefits lower your risk of breast cancer and protect your heart.
You don’t have to run marathons to see real benefits. Walking briskly for 30 minutes five days a week, swimming, or biking around your neighborhood all help. Even short 10-minute bursts of activity during your day add up. We encourage picking activities you enjoy, as you are more likely to continue participating in them.
Your diet has a big impact on both your heart and breast health. Try to limit processed foods, red meat, foods high in saturated fats, and drinking alcohol as they are not good for your heart or breasts. At New York Breast Health, we understand that changing your diet can feel hard. Try starting with one or two small changes and build from there.
Stress affects your whole body, including your heart and your immune system. When you’re constantly stressed, your body releases hormones that raise your blood pressure and increase inflammation. Finding ways to manage stress can really make a big difference. This might mean meditation, yoga, spending time with loved ones, or doing something you enjoy. Even five minutes of deep breathing or a short walk can help. We know life can be stressful, especially if you have health concerns. Our team is here to help you find what works best for you.
Talk to our team about your personal risk factors. Your family history, age, daily life, and other factors all influence your risk for both conditions. When you share your concerns and health history with us, we can help you develop the best prevention plan for your specific situation. At New York Breast Health, we care about your whole wellbeing, not just your breast health. We know that all parts of your body are connected, and we’re here to help you with every aspect.