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Health 52
Info Tip:
A Woman's Healthy Heart
Only a small percentage of women think of heart disease as a serious threat,
but according to the National Institutes of Health, it’s the leading killer
of women over age 25.
It kills nearly twice as many women in the United States than all types of
cancer, including breast cancer. Heart disease generally affects women later
in life than men, partly due to the protective effects of estrogen.
Once a woman reaches menopause, estrogen decreases and age-based risk
increases. Other factors, affecting both women and men, include a diet high
in saturated fat, a lifestyle low on physical activity, the habit of
smoking, and uncontrollable genetics.
When it comes to heart attacks, studies have shown that women’s symptoms are
different than men’s. A man’s classic heart-attack signs include tightness
in the chest, arm pain, and shortness of breath. Women may experience these,
or nausea, overwhelming fatigue, and dizziness. These warning signs are
often self-diagnosed as stress.
For a healthy heart, it’s important to know your blood pressure and HDL and
LDL cholesterol levels. It’s possible to significantly lower your risk for
heart disease through a lifestyle that includes healthy-eating habits and
physical exercise to maintain both a reasonable weight and healthy
circulation of the blood vessels.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association
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