According to the American Heart Association, many women believe that cancer is more of a risk to their health than heart disease. Almost twice as many women in the United States, however, die of heart disease and stroke than from all forms of cancer combined, including breast cancer.
It is commonly misconceived that heart disease is primarily a male health concern, according to the American Heart Association. The reality is that heart disease is the number one leading cause of death for American women. Heart disease is in fact a range of disease that may occur when arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood slowly develop deposits of cells, fat and cholesterol. This build up is called plaque. If a blood clot or other particle suddenly blocks blood flow in a narrowed artery, one could suffer a heart attack or stroke.
"There needs to be more education and attention to the fact that heart disease affects both men and women equally," says Dr. Robert Pelberg, Medical Directory of Scandirectory.Com, an online network of preventive imaging centers. “Women must educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, realizing that they are more likely than their male counterpart to experience atypical symptoms not always associated with heart disease. For example, symptoms attributable to heart attack may be overlooked by women since they may not experience typical pain in the typical location. Thus, women, in particular, must be aware of both typical and atypical presentations of heart disease. In addition, they must take action now to reduce cardiovascular risk”.
A major factor affecting heart treatment for women is that they tend to develop heart disease later in life, usually after menopause. Because the numbers of older women at risk of heart disease are growing, the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are vital. Since women get heart disease later in life when it can be harder to treat, prevention and education can be crucial.
The key to prevention is pinpointing risk factors leading to heart disease in women. These include:
• Control blood pressure - More women have high blood pressure (hypertension) which is conducive to heart disease.
• Cholesterol levels - So much has been written about the connection between high cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. For many, this is a significant risk factor.
• Obesity - The risk of heart disease increases if a woman is overweight, even if she has no other risk factor.
• Exercise regularly – Your heart is a muscle that needs regular exercise to stay is shape. You should exercise 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week.
• Smoking - Smoking is the most significant risk factor for heart disease and doubles the risk of having a heart attack.
"Heart disease is the biggest healthcare issue affecting American women," said Dr. Pelberg. "It is perhaps the most overlooked and misunderstood health risk in America."
