The Forgotten Risk

Women and Heart Disease: The Forgotten Risk

Heart disease is the #1 health threat to American women, responsible for 39 percent of all female deaths in the United States. Indeed, one in five American women has heart disease, and one out of every two women will die of a heart attack or stroke. Yet in a survey conducted by the American Heart Association, only 13 percent of American women realized that heart disease and stroke are the #1 threat to their health.

February 15 is Women’s Heart Day, the perfect time for women to become more vigilant in recognizing and treating heart disease. Talk to your physician about your risk factors and determine what diagnostic tests might be helpful.

Items to Discuss with Your Doctor*

__ Age

__ Race

__ Family History of Heart Disease

__ Blood Pressure

__ Blood Cholesterol

__ Blood Triglycerides

__ Glucose Tolerance (if you are concerned about diabetes)

__ Ideal Weight for Age, Height and Body Type

__ Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

__ Response To Stress

__ Satisfaction with Work and Family

__ Oral Contraceptives

__ Estrogen Replacement Therapy (for postmenopausal women)

__ Dietary Changes

__ Exercise Routines

 

*Provided by the American Heart Association