Why is there a push to educate women about heart disease?
Most women worry more about their husbands’ hearts than their own. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women over the age of 40, killing more than half a million women each year. The statistics for women with heart disease translates to approximately one death every minute. It is vital for women to know the risk factors of heart disease and what they can do to lower their risk of development.
Does menopause play a role in the development of heart disease?
Loss of natural estrogen as women age and especially after menopause can contribute to a higher risk of developing heart disease. Once a woman reaches the age of natural menopause, the risk for heart disease dramatically increases. In young women who have undergone early or surgical menopause, the risk for heart disease is also higher, especially when combined with other heart disease risk factors.
What are the risk factors for heart disease in women?
Menopause is only one of several risk factors for heart disease in women. Risk factors for heart disease include:
- Increasing age
- Heredity
- Race
- Smoking
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
What can women do to reduce the risk of heart disease?
Although you can’t control your age and gender, you can modify your lifestyle. You can reduce the risk of heart disease by eating right, exercising and if you smoke, quit. If you are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, it is important to see your doctor at least yearly for a complete physical exam.
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