Posted by Savneet Singh on Dec.30, 2010

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It is often thought that heart diseases occur more in men, but American Heart Association (AHA) states that heart disease kills more than 500,000 women annually. In 2001, over half of the people who died from coronary disease were women. The National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute claims that out of ten American women aged 45-64, one has some form of heart disease. In women over the age of 65, these numbers double.

Dr. Massimo Guisti of Cardiovascular Associates of Virginia, PC says that, “Women still think they cannot have coronary disease. Women are more afraid of ovarian or breast cancer, but coronary disease is the actually the leading cause of death in women.”

Warning Signs of Heart Disease

The heart diseases show different warning signs in women than it does in men including the signs for heart attack. Although the classic heart attack warning signs like chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in one or both arms are common. The major risk factors for heart disease are same for both men and women which includes increasing age, heredity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity.

Some typical signs present only in women are:

• Inexplicable anxiety, weakness or fatigue.
• Atypical pain in abdomen, stomach and chest.
• Nausea or dizziness without pain in chest.
• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breathing without pain in chest
• Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness

The risk factors like age and family history, cannot be changed but a lot of other factors can be modified. The first step is becoming aware of the potential risk by undertaking a thorough risk assessment from their healthcare provider.

The American Heart Association suggests that every woman should ask her healthcare provider these 10 questions about cardiovascular disease:

1. What are the risk factors for heart disease?
2. Is she at risk for a stroke?
3. What are the warning signs of heart disease and a stroke?
4. What should she know about the effects of menopause on her heart health?
5. Does she need to lose or gain weight for her health?
6. What is a healthful eating plan for her?
7. What kind of physical activity is right for her?
8. What is her blood pressure, and is it appropriate for her age?
9. What is her cholesterol level, and is it healthy or does it need improvement?
10. Based on her history and risk factors, what can she do to lower her risk of heart disease and stroke?

The question of menopause and heart health is very important for elder women. After menopause, all women should have an extensive evaluation of their coronary risk. In addition remain active and do exercise at least 5 days in a weeks. Maintain a healthy diet and reduce the risk for coronary disease.

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Posted under Health & Fitness, Health Alerts, Health Facts.