By now you’ve probably heard or read that heart disease is the #1 killer of women and that stroke is the third leading cause of death in U.S. adults.
SIGNS of HEART ATTACK for Women
One of the most important things to know is how the warning signs of a heart attack may be different for women. You might not have chest pain or shortness of breath. Instead, you might experience a sudden overall feeling of illness or an unusual feeling of mild discomfort in your neck or jaw.
CONTROL YOUR RISKS
Risk Factors You Can’t Control But Should Be Be Aware Of:
• Increasing age (including menopausal changes)
• Gender
• Family history of heart disease (which includes ethnicity)
Risk Factors You May Be Able to Control:
• Smoking and using other tobacco projects
• High cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Being overweight or obese
• Metabolic syndrome
• Stress
Now that you are aware of the risks of cardiovascular disease in women, it is important to know and monitor your own personal risk. Start by seeing your family doctor every two years to track measurements such as your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar. Between doctors’ visits, monitor your body mass index diet, and level of activity.
The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. By decreasing these risk factors, you may reduce your risk of developing heart disease.