Heart Disease in Women


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The term heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions.


Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a man’s disease, almost as many women as men die each year of heart.


Despite increases in awareness over the past decades, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.


Learn more facts about women and heart disease:


  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women
  • About 1 in 30 Asian women age 20 and older have coronary heart disease,

Although some women have no symptoms, others may have


  • Angina (dull and heavy or sharp chest pain or discomfort)
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or when you are doing regular daily activities. Women also may have other symptoms, including5


  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

Sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and not diagnosed until you have other symptoms or emergencies, including


  • Heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath
  • Arrhythmia: Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations)
  • Heart failure: Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins

High blood pressure, high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease.


Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including


  • Diabetes
  • Having overweight or obesity
  • Eating an unhealthy diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Drinking too much alcohol

To lower your chances of getting heart disease, it’s important to do the following:-


  • Know your blood pressure. Having uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart disease. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
  • Talk to your doctor or health care team about whether you should be tested for diabetes. Having uncontrolled diabetes raises your risk of heart disease.
  • Quit smoking. If you don’t smoke, don’t start
  • Discuss checking your blood cholesterol and triglycerides with your doctor.
  • Make healthy food choices. Having overweight or obese raises your risk of heart disease.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink to one drink a day.
  • Manage stress levels by finding healthy ways to cope with stress.

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