Info In A Heartbeat: Women And Heart Disease
By Alan M. Blaker, MD, FACC, FACP
Did you know, in the United States, heart disease is the #1 killer among women. Do your part to help protect yourself from this deadly enemy. Make a commitment to take charge of your body and life in making lifestyle changes for a healthier heart. Exercise regularly, heart healthy diet, control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol and no tobacco. Include your doctor in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Don't wait until it's too late. The best treatment for cardiovascular disease is to prevent it.
Did you know that:
- cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks first among all diseases in hospital stays for women
- nearly 39% of all deaths in women in America are from CVD, which includes coronary heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases
- the death rate due to CVD is substantially higher in black women than in white women
- 38% of women compared with 25% of men will die within one year after a heart attack
- the risk of heart disease and stroke increases with age
- diagnosis of heart disease presents a greater challenge in women than in men
Did you know that the signs of a heart attack are:
- Chest discomfort that last more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain;
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach;
- Shortness of breath that may occur with or without chest discomfort;
- Signs can include a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Back to News.