Women are at a significantly elevated risk of developing heart disease that may result in death. It is imperative that women be their own advocate when it comes to understanding and dealing with heart disease. Unfortunately, many women do not know the facts or risk factors of heart disease until it is too late. Here are two facts related to the topic of women and heart disease to shed light on this dangerous illness:

• • Prevalence: According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the #1 cause of death in women and accounts for 1 in 3 deaths. This number is greater than all cancers combined.
  • Risk Factors: The risk factors for developing heart disease include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise, unhealthy BMI (weight), and congenital heart defects.

Knowing the high rate of mortality and the risk factors associated with heart disease are only a portion of what every women needs to know. It is also imperative to understand that the symptoms of a heart attack in a woman may present differently than in a man. These symptoms include:

If you or a woman in your life is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is necessary to seek immediate medical assistance.

To prevent heart disease, every woman must be sure to live a heart healthy life with a well-rounded diet and regular exercise, quit smoking, and commit to annual physicals that include bloodwork. Additionally, the advice of a trusted primary care physician or a reputable cardiologist should be sought when unusual symptoms occur. Many instances of heart disease go unnoticed and undiagnosed, which can result in a heart attack. If you have questions and concerns related to your specific symptoms, schedule an appointment with the top-rated cardiologist of Beverly Hills Cardiology, Dr. Shervin Eshaghian M.D. Contact us today at (310) 858-6500 to discover how you can prevent or manage your heart disease.