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Women Can Stay Young at Heart
These two women are 80 years young and heart-healthy thanks to Riverview Medical Center's
Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.
"I was surprised to learn that heart disease
is the number one killer of women — I
thought it was breast cancer," remarks
Marie Malavet of Red Bank.
Marie, 80, is not alone. Many women
still consider heart disease to be a "man's
disease" and worry much more about
getting breast cancer than having a heart
attack. However, nearly twice as many
women in the United States die of heart
disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular
diseases than from any form of cancer,
including breast cancer.
Marie learned all of this after her own
heart event. "I didn't have any chest pain. I
had pain in my head, neck, and shoulders,
so I went to see Dr. Edlin," she recalls.
"Women do not always experience
the same symptoms that men experience
with heart disease," explains Dale E.
Edlin, M.D., a board certified cardiologist
affiliated with Riverview Medical Center. "I
immediately sent Marie for testing, and the
results showed three blocked arteries. At
that point I recommended surgery and, following
the surgery, cardiac rehabilitation."
Riverview's Cardiac Rehabilitation
Center offers a comprehensive approach
to heart health that concentrates on:
- Educating patients about everything
related to the heart in general and their
condition in particular
- Teaching exercises that reestablish and
reinforce proper heart functioning and
endurance
- Providing ongoing maintenance and
follow-up care that facilitate a fuller
recovery and, in turn, a fuller life
The center features an exemplary team of
cardiologists, respiratory therapists, exercise
physiologists, and registered nurses who
work together to ensure that a patient's treatment
plan is tailored to his or her needs.
Eileen Downing of Oceanport, 80, has
participated in the rehabilitation program
for more than seven years. "I have stuck
with the program for so long because it
gives me discipline," says Eileen. "If I had
to do it on my own, I might put it off."
Eileen, who suffered two heart attacks
and had bypass surgery, became aware
of the program through her cardiologist,
David I. Drout, M.D., a board certified cardiologist and president of the medical
staff at Riverview.
"Knowing your numbers is vital," says
Dr. Drout. "I encourage all my patients
to take an active role in understanding
what their cholesterol, glucose, body mass
index (BMI), and blood pressure numbers
mean. These numbers can provide a roadmap
to better heart health."
Mary and Eileen also have advice for
other women. "Know that the symptoms
are different for women and get tested,"
advises Mary. "The new 64-slice CT scan
can tell you a lot about your heart!"
"If you have a family history, make
sure you are tested," adds Eileen.
 – Tria Deibert
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