Empowering Military Women: A Cardiologist’s Essential Heart Health Guide

While mental health is crucial for active-duty military personnel and veterans, it’s important for military women to also prioritize heart health. Dr. Denise Zingrone, a cardiologist at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mill, emphasizes the close connection between mental and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Zingrone has over 20 years of experience in cardiology. February is Women’s Heart Health Month, and she points out that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., including those in the military. Shockingly, CVD accounts for more female deaths than the next 16 causes combined, which includes all types of cancer.

“I can’t imagine the stress military women face regularly,” Dr. Zingrone notes. Being away from family and support systems can increase anxiety and depression, raising the risk for CVD.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, more women veterans are seeking services than any other group, with women making up 30% of new patients. This is not surprising, considering the rise of women in the military; from 2000 to 2023, their numbers increased from 6.3% to 11.3% of the total military population—approximately 2.1 million veterans.

Dr. Zingrone highlights that higher stress levels can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and unhealthy eating habits, which significantly impact heart health.

To help manage stress, she recommends regular exercise. “Exercise is a great way to relieve stress,” she says. The American Heart Association suggests at least 45 minutes of moderate aerobic activity five times a week. If exercise feels hard to achieve during tough times, practices like mindfulness, meditation, or simply listening to music can be beneficial and don’t require much time.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet is essential. “We live in a time where unhealthy food is easily accessible,” Dr. Zingrone explains. Increased portion sizes and the prevalence of processed foods contribute to rising obesity and diabetes rates. She advocates for the Mediterranean Diet, which emphasizes fish, vegetables, and whole grains for better heart health.

Dr. Zingrone urges military women to stay vigilant about their heart health. She notes that CVD affects both men and women alike, and it’s never too early to get assessed. Women are often more likely to experience subtle symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or lightheadedness during activities they used to manage easily. “If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek medical help; it could indicate a heart issue,” she cautions.

Heart disease can strike younger individuals as well, not just older men. Dr. Zingrone stresses the importance of regular screenings, even when feeling healthy. “I’m happy to see patients frequently for check-ups. Early detection is vital; we want to avoid serious health crises,” she states.

Women in the military face unique stresses and might hesitate to seek help out of fear of bothering someone or feeling embarrassed. This can lead to serious complications down the line. Preventive screenings are essential, and Dr. Zingrone encourages military women to take advantage of available resources for optimal heart health.