Women and Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one killer of women.  In fact, more women die of heart disease than men, regardless of race or ethnicity. In the United States more than 500,000 women die each year of heart disease.

Once a woman reaches menopause, the risk for heart disease increases dramatically, especially when menopause is combined with other risk factors. However, women can improve their chances of avoiding heart disease by making lifestyle changes.

If you are a woman over 50, consider improving your heart health by:

• avoiding or quitting smoking

• losing weight and/or maintaining a healthy body weight

• exercising regularly

• following a diet low in saturated fat and trans-fat and high in fiber, whole grains, legumes (such as beans and peas), fruits, vegetables fish and folate-rich foods.

• treating medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.