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Women's Heart Health
Just the Facts
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Heart disease is the number one killer of American women.
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Heart disease kills ten times more women than breast cancer.
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Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men.
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The death rate from heart disease is declining for men, but not for women.
Inspite of these facts, 92 percent of American women do not identify heart disease as a major problem. This lack of awareness leads women to ignore warning signs of heart problems and to delay getting treatment.
The best way to fight heart disease is by learning the facts, warning signs and risk factors. The more you know, the better armed you are to protect your health.
10 Ways to Help Your Heart
1. Don't smoke. The risk of heart attack for smokers is twice that of nonsmokers.
2. Exercise 30 minutes a day. Even low intensity activities such as brisk walking, gardening and housework can be helpful.
3. Eat wisely . Regularly eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
4. Lower you cholesterol. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, such as whole milk products, butter and cheeses. Avoid red meat and shellfish.
5. Control your blood pressure . Check it regularly. Avoid foods that are high in salt.
6. Lose weight. A well-balanced diet and exercise can help you lose unwanted pounds.
7. Manage your diabetes . Work with your doctor to manage this chronic condition.
8. Manage stress. Relax more, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
9. Limit your alcohol. One drink a day may lower your risk of heart disease. Drinking more than this can be harmful.
10. Visit your doctor for regular checkups.
Know Your Risk Factors
You need to determine whether you are at risk for developing heart disease and then reduce those risk factors in your control.
Risk factors that can't be changed:
Risk factors you can control by changing your lifestyle or taking medications:
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Smoking tobacco
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High cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes mellitus
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Obesity and overwieght
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Physical inactivity
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