To Our Health
Heart Facts for Women
 Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States today, claiming approximately one woman every minute of
every day.
Only 2% of females in NJ rate heart disease as “top of mind,” most important health issue. (Healthy NJ 2010)
Although the overall death rates for heart disease have been declining, the death rates for younger women aged 35-44 have increased approximately 1.3% annually between 1997 and 2002. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology, November 27, 2007)
Hispanic women tend to develop heart disease risk factors 10 years earlier than their Caucasian counterparts. (AHA Cardiovascular Disease and Epidemiology Conference 2007)
“Turning Back the Clock” study proved that following a healthy lifestyle, which included exercising for 2.5 hours weekly, eating 5 fruits/vegetables a day, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight reduce the risk for heart disease by 80%, for diabetes by 90% and for some cancers by 60%. (Source: ARIC study, American Journal of Medicine 2007)
Fewer than 1 in 5 physicians know that women were more likely than men to die each year from heart disease. (National Study of Physician Awareness and Adherence to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Guidelines, Circulation 2005)
According to McSweeny (AHA Scientific Sessions 2007), about 94% of women experience at least one prodromal (warning) symptom in the weeks to months before a heart attack. The most common warning sign is unusual fatigue. Other warning signs include: chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, frequent indigestion, anxiety, heart racing, loss of appetite, new vision problems, and arm tingling/numbness. Young obese minority women tend to exhibit more prodromal symptoms than Caucasian women.
All women need to know their individual risk factors for heart disease. Speak to your physician about screening options.SPW
Margie Latrella and Carolyn Strimike, Advanced Practical Nurses, The Women’s Heart Center at St. Joseph’s in Paterson and Wayne, NJ. |
