Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? It kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.
Heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply the heart with blood slowly develop deposits of cells, fat and cholesterol. This buildup is called plaque. If a blood clot or other particle suddenly blocks blood flow in a narrowed artery, a heart attack can occur.
Robert Beto, MD, section chief of cardiology at WVU, says that several factors increase the risk of heart disease. “Everyone is at risk, but the number one risk factor is family history, followed by age,” he explains. “While these factors are out of our control, there are steps everyone can take to reduce their risk.”
Dr. Beto recommends the following:
Manage high blood pressure – High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload, causing the heart to weaken over time. It can result from a number of factors, including being overweight or pregnant, genetics, menopause and birth control pills.
Manage cholesterol levels – Studies show that women's cholesterol levels are typically higher than men's starting at age 55. High levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol raise the risk of heart disease and heart attack. High levels of HDL “good” cholesterol lower the risk. Research has shown that low levels of HDL cholesterol seem to be a stronger risk factor for women than for men.
Stop smoking - Women who smoke are two to six times as likely to suffer a heart attack as non-smoking women. Just one to four cigarettes a day can double a woman’s risk. And women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk even more. The good news is that women who quit smoking can dramatically reduce their risk of heart disease.
Beto adds that it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and being active. It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight and control stress.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Women may not experience the same “elephant on chest” heart attack symptoms as men, according to Beto.
“It’s important for women be in tune with their bodies,” he stresses. “If something doesn’t feel right, talk with your doctor. Time is crucial when it comes to a heart attack.”
Beto says that heart attack warning signs can include: chest discomfort; discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; unusual fatigue; indigestion; breaking out in a cold sweat; and nausea or lightheadedness.
If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. The key to survival is getting help quickly.
