43 million women are affected by heart disease, the number one killer of women.
There are differences between the way heart disease affects men and women. It tends to occur in women 7-8 years later than in men and women are five years older on average than men when they experience a first heart attack. Why? Estrogen in premenopausal women helps raise good cholesterol and lowers bad.
The symptoms of a heart attack can be different than in men. Some are sudden onset of severe weakness, stomach upset with passing weakness, mild burning sensation in middle of chest that extends outward, vague chest discomfort, and palpitations, cold sweats or paleness. Women also tend to show up at an emergency room 30 minutes later than men.
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Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Don’t smoke.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Eat a low-fat, low cholesterol diet and limit salt.
Control high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Keep diabetes under control.
Limit alcohol use.
Exercise regularly.
From Dr. Brian Skale, The Christ Hospital
