In the United States, an estimated 44 million women are affected by cardiovascular disease. Ninety percent of these women have at least one or more risk factors including high cholesterol or blood pressure, diabetes, a poor diet or a sedentary lifestyle. What’s more, heart attacks occurring in women under age 50 are twice as likely to be fatal as those occurring in men. But, there’s good news: women of all ages can benefit from simple lifestyle changes to keep their hearts healthy.
According to the CDC and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (a division of the National Institutes of Health), there are many actions women can take, with the support of their medical providers, to improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk for disease. Not smoking and exercising regularly top the list. In addition, it’s important to receive regular health screenings to learn the three most important numbers related to heart health – blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI. These small actions can have a big impact.
Read our latest white paper to learn about aspects of heart disease that affect women more than men, and why preventative efforts should focus on health, not illness.