Heart disease is a serious health concern for women of all ages and races. It’s the number one killer of women, responsible for more deaths than all cancers combined. Despite this, many women are still unaware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with heart disease. This article will discuss nine important facts that every woman needs to know about heart disease. From routine screenings to risk factors and symptoms, understanding these facts can help women take steps to prevent heart disease and maintain their heart health.
Heart Disease Kills More Women Than All Cancers Combined
An estimated one in four women dies from heart disease, making it a serious health concern for women of all ages and races.
Nine Out Of 10 Women Have At Least One Risk Factor For Heart Disease
These risk factors can include underlying heart conditions, birth control pills, smoking, a poor diet, and a lack of exercise.
Routine Screenings Should Begin In Your 20s
Experts recommend that heart screenings should begin at age 20 to prevent the progression of heart disease.
Symptoms Are Hard To Recognize, Especially In Women
Women tend to have more subtle symptoms, like fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, indigestion, back pain, and jaw pain.
Bystanders Are Less Likely To Perform CPR On Women
Women are less likely than men to receive CPR in public during cardiac arrest, highlighting a key knowledge gap in resuscitation science.
You Don’t Need To Do Mouth-To-Mouth To Deliver CPR
Hands-only CPR is just as effective as the mouth-to-mouth variety.
Being “Fit” Doesn’t Mean You’re Off The Hook For Heart Disease
Even if you’re very athletic, your risk for heart disease isn’t 100 percent eliminated.
Even If You Don’t Have Symptoms, You May Still Be At Risk
Roughly 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease reported no previous symptoms.
Keeping Tab On Your Hormones Can Help
Managing your hormones is an important move in keeping your heart healthy, as estrogen is cardio protective and out-of-whack thyroid hormones can cause an uptick in cholesterol.
The good news is that heart disease is preventable 80 percent of the time, often just by lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. By knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with heart disease, women can take steps to protect their heart health and reduce their risk of this deadly condition.
