The American Heart Association reports that about 480,000 women die of cardiovascular disease annually, more than the total number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in men or the next four causes of death combined.

 

One in three women will die of heart disease in their lifetime and one in two women will develop or suffer from cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, as well as high blood pressure. 

 

 “There are five major factors that determine the majority of heart disease risk,” says Dr. Philip Krause, section director of cardiology at Rush North Shore Medical Center. “They include a family history of premature coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and cigarette smoking.”

 

Another risk factor is age. Nearly 35 % of women over age 45 have some form of heart disease. And, the risk for heart disease increases in postmenopausal women. 

 

 “We know that after menopause, women have a much higher incidence of heart disease,” says Dr. Krause. “So the message about prevention for women is very important. They need to take care of themselves. Women need the same preventive checkups as their male counterparts."

 

The good news is that there are five health habits that can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in women. They are:

·        avoid smoking

·        exercise 30 minutes a day

·        keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels

 within a normal range

·        eat a heart-healthy diet

·        maintain a healthy weight

 

The other important thing you can do to prevent heart disease is get your heart checked. To schedule a $49 heart screening, call Rush North Shore Medical Center at

847-933-6000.