Women’s Heart Health: Here is What You Should Know

By Anna Jones | UAB News Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease can develop and present differently in women compared to men, and studies show that women may downplay their symptoms or delay seeking treatment. In women, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases with age, especially after menopause. Unfortunately, only about 50 percent of women recognize that heart disease is a threat to their health. Experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute and UAB St. Vincent’s say it is never too early or too late for women to begin protecting themselves from heart disease. How to prevent heart disease “With heart disease prevention, small changes can make a huge difference,” said Gretchen Wells, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAB Medicine Women’s Heart Health Program. “Most of our recommendations are low-tech and can easily be incorporated into an individual’s daily routines.” Wells’ recommendations include: Eating a heart-healthy diet Exercising Maintaining a healthy weight Quitting smoking Controlling cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure levels Managing stress Moderating alcohol use Getting enough sleep For women who want to start protecting their heart...