Every woman needs to know about heart disease.
The Heart Truth is that heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. In fact, one in four women dies of heart disease. But heart disease can also lead to disability and a significantly decreased quality of life.
Unfortunately, most women don't know The Heart Truth. Although significant progress has been made increasing awareness among women — from 34 percent in 2000 to 57 percent in 2006 — most women fail to make the connection between risk factors and their personal risk of developing heart disease.
The Heart Truth is that women don't take their risk of heart disease seriously — or personally. Women often fail to make the connection between risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and their own chance of developing heart disease.
Between ages 40 to 60, a woman's risk of heart disease starts to rise. But heart disease develops gradually and can start at a young age — even in the teenage years. Older women have an interest, too — it's never too late to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease. Even those who have heart disease can improve their heart health and quality of life.
Heart disease disproportionately affects women of color. African American and Hispanic women in particular have high rates of the major risk factors for heart disease, including obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Heart disease can diminish health and the ability to do even simple activities like climbing the stairs. It can decrease your entire quality of life. Two-thirds of women who have heart attacks never fully recover. If you have a heart attack your risk of having another increases.
Know the risk factors for heart disease:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Being physically inactive
- Age (55 or older for women)
- Having a family history of early heart disease
Talk to your doctor. Find out your risk. And take action to lower it.
Here are some questions to ask your doctor:
- What is my risk for heart disease?
- What screening or diagnostic tests for heart disease do I need?
- What are my numbers and what do they mean?
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol —total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides
- Body mass index and waist circumference measurement
- Blood sugar level (could indicate risk for diabetes)
- What can you do to help me quit smoking?
- How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
- What is a heart-healthy eating plan for me?
Last updated July 30, 2008
