Women's Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Heart disease is a bigger health threat to women than breast cancer. Several factors increase women's risk for heart disease.

Some risk factors for heart disease are ones that you can't change. These include your family history of heart disease, getting older, approaching menopause, and your race or ethnic background.

You can change the following risk factors for heart disease:

• Quit smoking. Women who smoke have a higher risk of dying of heart disease.
• Reduce high blood pressure. Losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising may help you lower it.
• Control cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Have regular cholesterol screenings; eat a lowfat, low-cholesterol diet; and use medication when needed.
• Get moving. Try walking once a day for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Watch your diet. Eat fiber-rich foods. Avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Manage diabetes. It can increase your risk for heart attack.
• Reduce stress. Read or take daily walks to manage stress. At www.paramounthealthcare.com, find out more. Click on "Better Health for Life," search for "beating heart disease," then click on "A Woman's Guide to Beating Heart Disease."