First Lady Recognizes Womens’ Risk for Heart Disease

Most women aren’t aware that cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of American women. A recent study indicated that women perceive cancer as more of a health threat than heart disease. First Lady Laura Bush remarked in March of 2004 “With the many risk factors for heart disease, a woman’s greatest risk is ignorance.” Here are the five most important things women need to know.

1. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. It affects women in every age group. Even women aged 20-24 years old have had incidences of being affected by this disease. According to American Heart Association statistics, 38% of women may suffer death within one year of their first heart attack. Sudden death with no previous symptoms occurs in 65% of women diagnosed with heart disease.

2. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than men. In the past, most clinical trials focused on heart disease among men. Researchers once believed that women who were pre-menopausal were protected from the affects of CVA. Statistics indicate though that CV death rates for women are on the rise. The American Heart Association’s 2004 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update found that close to twice as many women as men will become disabled with heart failure within 6 years of a recognized heart attack.

3. Signs and symptoms of heart disease can be different in women. The traditional warning signs for a heart attack include:

-Pressure, burning, squeezing nit he center of the chest
-Discomfort in one or both arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, stomach, or back
-Shortness of breath
-Fatigue, cold sweats, nausea, weakness

(Adapted from the Harvard Medical School Website – www.harvard.health.edu)

Many of these signs and symptoms may be present when a woman experiences an attack, but they may be less specific. Women are also less likely to seek treatment. Emerging medical evidence suggests that heart disease is more difficult to diagnose among women because of intrinsic biological differences.

4. Today many treatment options exist for heart disease. Medical technology offers many interventions for Coronary Heart Disease as well as rhythm management issues. All you need to do is turn on the television to see commercials for the many pharmacological treatments available. Early diagnosis and treatment, like many other diseases, is key.

5. Women can reduce their risk of heart disease. The AHA currently recommends that women avoid hormone replacement therapy and antioxidant supplements. Some of the areas of prevention for heart disease include:

-Smoking cessation
-Physical activity
-Heart-healthy diet
-Weight maintenance/reduction
-Blood pressure control
-Lipid control
-Aspirin therapy

The next time you visit your doctor, use the opportunity to evaluate your risk factors. Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked. Ask for help reaching a healthy weight and with smoking cessation if needed. Consider adopting the AHA’s heart healthy lifestyle. Every woman can take action to improve her heart health.