Heart Disease in Women: Risk Factors & Prevention

Many women mistakenly believe heart disease is purely a male disease. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It is important to know the risks so you can strive to eliminate them.

Smoking

• Any use of tobacco instantly ups your risk for heart disease. Women who both smoke and take birth control pills are at even higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

High Cholesterol

• Once again believed to be more of a male problem, studies show women older than 55 have higher cholesterol than men.

Belly Fat

• Obesity, particularly fat around your waist, has been associated with a higher risk of all types of heart problems including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure

• Women with a family history of hypertension, or are obese, pregnant or taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a huge risk factor for heart disease and the leading cause of strokes.

Uncontrollable Factors

• A family history of heart disease, a previous stroke or heart attack and older age are uncontrollable risk factors when it comes to heart disease. However, working to eliminate the controllable risk factors early on will greatly reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke later in life.