Heart Disease: The Number-One Killer of Women

Most women are so terrified of breast cancer that they completely overlook their risks for the health disorder that kills more women than any other disease. Heart disease is the number-one killer of women. About half a million American women die from heart disease every year and many more have disease that is undiagnosed. It is not just a disease for older women. According to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, 10% of women between the age of 45 and 64 have some type and degree of heart disease.

All women are at risk but African-American women are at especially high risk. Women in the rural areas of the Appalachian region also have a higher death rate from heart disease. No one really knows the reason for this, but the lack of access to heart healthcare and difficulty maintaining a heart health diet and routine exercise may be factors.

Women usually have different heart attack symptoms than men. Be heart-smart and report these symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Ongoing fatigue and problems sleeping
• Anxiety that may be fleeting
• Fainting
• Gas-like pains in the abdomen
• Chest pain or tightening
• Left arm and/or jaw pain

In order to reduce your risk of heart disease, there are several things you can do.

• Stop smoking and get those around you to quit, too.
• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days per week.
• Limit the fat in your diet, especially saturated and trans fats.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat and junk food.
• Lose extra weight and maintain your recommended weight.
• Get routine tests from your healthcare provider for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

These are good health tips for everyone. Prevention and early detection of heart disease and other health disorders are the keys to a longer, healthier life.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms or to obtain additional information about you, your heart and a healthy lifestyle. To make an appointment with a physician, call toll-free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).

12/19/2005