Cardiovascular Disease:
The Leading Cause of Death in Women
Many women underestimate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Did you know that
cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined?
Nearly one in four Americans in the United States suffer from some form of CVD, which
includes both heart and blood vessel diseases.
Are Women at a Higher Risk?
While both men and women are at high risk for developing heart disease and/or stroke, CVD
is the single leading cause of death for women in America. CVD kills nearly 500,000 women each year.
Diagnosing heart disease is more difficult in women than in men. While both men and women can
present with the classic chest pain symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease, women have a
greater tendency to show atypical symptoms, including:
- Pressure or discomfort in the chest
- Pain in the arms, neck, back, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Unexplained fatigue
Ignoring or misinterpreting these symptoms can have fatal consequences. If you are unsure
about any of the symptoms you may be experiencing, contact your health care provider immediately.
A Healthy Heart is Within Your Control
While these statistics may seem discouraging, keep
in mind that cardiovascular disease is preventable
with a few lifestyle changes.
The risk factors
for heart disease that you are able to influence
include:
- Smoking: The risk of developing coronary
heart disease for smokers is two to four times
that of nonsmokers. Quitting smoking
should be the first step on your journey to
a healthier heart.
- Being Overweight: Excess body fat raises
the risk of developing heart disease or having
a stroke. Cutting out a few hundred calories
a day can help you lose up to one to two
pounds per week and help you attain a hearthealthy
weight.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension can
increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Control your blood pressure by eating more fruits
and vegetables and reducing your overall sodium intake.
- High cholesterol: Have your cholesterol
checked by your doctor, and maintain a
diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and
cholesterol.
- Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of heart
disease and stroke. With the help of your
physician, make sure your blood sugar level
is under control.
- Exercise: The benefits of exercise for your
heart are immeasurable. Aim for at least 30
minutes of physical activity every day to
decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.
For additional resources visit pennmedicine.org/heart.
To learn more about the risk factors, what you
can do to prevent heart disease and how our
Penn Heart and Vascular physicians can address the
special needs of women, call 1-800-789-PENN
(7366) or you can also request
an appointment online.
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