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Women typically are unaware of their own risk factors and many think of heart disease and stroke as “a man’s disease”. But in terms of sheer numbers, more women die annually from CVD than men. It’s also not just an older woman’s problem. Second only to accidents, CVD is the leading cause of death in women ages 25 – 44 years old.
Similarly, many physicians are unaware of the impact of CVD on women’s health. As a result, women are less often completely screened or adequately treated for CVD risk factors than men.
Women are at risk for CVD if they:
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Have a family history of heart attack or stroke, especially at early ages
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Have high blood pressure
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Have adult onset diabetes* or metabolic syndrome
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Have high cholesterol
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Smoke
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Use alcohol excessively
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Are overweight by 20 pounds or more*
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Lack regular physical activity*
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Have peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
*These risk factors are extremely dominant and more important in women than men.
What you can do:
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
Know the Symptoms of Heart Disease In Women:
- Feeling breathless, often without chest pain
- Flu-like symptoms, including nausea, clamminess and cold sweats
- Unexplained fatigue, weakness or dizziness
- Pain in the upper back, shoulders, neck or jaw
- Anxiety
Know the Symptoms of Stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Womens Cardiovascular Health Program
9350 Campus Point Drive, 0975
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 657-8530
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