Heart Risk Assessments for Women

Many women live in fear of developing breast cancer, but the No. 1 cause in death in American women is coronary heart disease. One in 25 women will die of breast cancer, but one in three will die of heart disease.

Are you at risk? Use the links below to assess your risk factors for heart disease.

• Heart-To-Heart Questions for Women
• 8 Critical Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• More Information For Women

Heart-To-Heart Questions for Women

Not all risk factors are subject to your control - including age (women tend to get heart disease later than men), family history, and race (African American women are far more likely to die from heart disease than Caucasian women). But there’s plenty you can do about controllable risk factors. Gauge your risk for heart disease by asking yourself a few important questions:

• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Do you have high cholesterol?
• Are you overweight?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Do you smoke?
  (Women smokers are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smoking women. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. Smoking also increases the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. It is also important that you are not exposed to second hand smoke.)
• Do you take hormones?
• Do you have a family history of heart disease?
• Are you under a lot of stress?
• Do you have an inactive lifestyle?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, talk to your doctor about your risk of developing heart disease and what you can to do lower that risk.

For information on lowering your risk of heart attack through good nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation, or for information on the full range of cardiac testing and therapy services offered at Alta Bates Summit, call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at (510) 204-1554.

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8 Critical Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Talking with your doctor is one of the best ways to assess your risk factors for heart disease.

Be prepared for your next doctor's visit with a list of questions. Here are some specific questions you might ask to better understand your level of risk for heart disease.

1. What screening or diagnostic tests for heart disease do I need?
2. If I have a family history of heart disease, am I at greater risk?
3. What are "my numbers" and what do they mean?
   
   • Blood Pressure
   • Cholesterol - LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides
   • Body Mass Index and waist circumference measurements
   • Blood Sugar Level (may indicate a risk for diabetes)
4. If I smoke, what is the best way for me to quit?
5. How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart?
6. What is a heart-healthy eating plan for me?
7. What are the warning signs of heart disease or of a heart attack?
8. If I experience signs or symptoms of a heart attack, what steps do I need to take?

Consider bringing a notepad to your visit to jot down some of your physician's recommendations.

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More Information For Women

Women are particularly susceptible to heart disease because, after menopause, their estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen is a natural heart-disease protector. It comes as quite a surprise to many women that they need to pay attention to their heart health. However, each year, three million women have a heart attack, and one out of every three American women will die of heart disease.

According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, women can reduce their risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent by leading a health lifestyle-getting regular exercise, eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and not smoking.

Consistent exercise has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Find an activity you enjoy, such as walking or bicycling, then start exercising 20 minutes a day, three to four days a week. In general, it’s a good idea to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

You can also change your diet to reduce your risk factors. The Harvard study suggests that light alcohol consumption (one or two drinks per day) and a diet rich in fish, fiber, and whole-grain products can help reduce your risk for heart disease.

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