When it comes to heart health, the biggest difference between men and
women might not be in their hearts but in their heads. That’s because
women are far less likely than men to realize their risk for
cardiovascular disease. They may know that it’s the number one cause of
death among American men, but many don’t realize it’s also the number
one cause of death for women.
fact, more women than men die of cardiovascular disease every year in
America. That’s why it’s crucial to understand women’s unique risks and
symptoms and to find out what women can do to stay heart healthy.
“Prevention,” notes cardiologist Lisa Motavalli, MD, “is the key to
Watch what you eat.
“Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber- rich whole grain
foods, and avoid saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, and added
sugars,” advises Dr. Motavalli, board certified in cardiovascular
disease and internal medicine. Weight control is also important. Obesity
can put you at greater risk for heart disease by raising blood
cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increasing hypertension (high blood
pressure), and inducing type-2 diabetes.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
sure you get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, or 75
minutes of vigorous exercise,” says cardiologist Sherryl Croitor, MD. If
you smoke, stop. One of the most significant risk factors for heart
disease, smoking is actually a greater risk for women than it is for
men. Researchers aren’t sure whether stress itself is a risk factor or
whether it intensifies other factors, like high blood pressure and
elevated cholesterol, but working to control stress is an important step
Be aware of your numbers and your risks.
Know your levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and
fasting blood glucose, as well as your blood pressure and body mass
index (BMI). “Your numbers
are the starting point for you and your doctor to assess your risk,”
says Dr. Croitor, board certified in cardiovascular disease. Find out
from your doctor whether and how your numbers may increase your risk for
heart disease, and ask if your age and/or family history might play a
role as well. Don’t assume that, because you’re young, you’re not at
risk. Thousands of women under the age of 45 have heart attacks every
Be symptom smart.
There’s one more way that men differ from women in terms of
cardiovascular health, and that’s in the symptoms they present during a
heart attack. While chest discomfort tends to be the most common symptom
of a heart attack in both men and women, women tend to have many other
atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath; fatigue; pain in the
neck, jaw, or back; nausea; and/or abdominal pain.
“If you think you or someone you’re with is having a heart attack,
call 911 without delay—it’s the best way to make sure that treatment is
started right away,” says Dr. Motavalli.
To find a physician affiliated with Princeton Medicine, call
1.800.FIND.A.DR (1.800.346.3237) or visit www.princetonmedicine.org.