Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. By age 85, 1 in 9 will develop breast cancer - but 1 in 1 will have heart disease! Although heart disease develops most commonly in women in their later years, women as young as their twenties need to be aware of the disease as well.

After menopause, a woman's chance of heart disease increases dramatically. Estrogen hormones during a woman's menstrual cycle help shield her from risk by raising the levels of "good cholesterol", while lowering the amounts of "bad cholesterol". The "bad", or LDL, can clog vessels in the heart, leading to a heart attack.

Risk Factors

In addition to  being post menopausal, there are several conditions which can indicate an increasedlevel of risk. Among them are high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high levels of "bad" cholesterol, an inactive lifestyle, high stress and certain drugs. (ie. cocaine and oral contraceptives for women who smoke.0

Lowering the likelihood of heart disease involves lifestyle changes - elimminating the negatices such as smoking and stress, and increasing the positives such as losing weight, eating a diet low insaturated fat and exercising regularly.

Sign of Heart Attack

• pain, pressure of discomfort in the chest which persists and may spread to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw.

• sudden sweating

• dizziness or fainting

• shortness of breath

• nausea or vomiting

Other Syptoms a Woman May Experience

• a sensation of inhaling cold air

• weakness or a lethargic feeling

• hot stabbing pain between the breasts and to the left armpit

• back pain felt between the shoulders

If you experience and of these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

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