Many women are unaware that heart disease is a bigger health threat to them than breast cancer. Several factors increase women’s risk for heart disease. Some risk factors that you can’t change include your family history, getting older and your race/ethnic background. You’re more likely to develop heart disease or stroke if your close blood relatives have had them. And as you approach menopause, your risk for heart disease and stroke begins to rise and continues to do so with age.

You can change these risk factors for heart disease:

• Quit smoking. Women who smoke have a higher risk of dying of heart disease.
• Reduce high blood pressure. You may be able to get your blood pressure to a normal level by losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising.
• Control cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Have regular cholesterol screenings; eat a low-fat, lowcholesterol diet; and use medication when needed.
• Get moving. Even walking once a day for 20 to 30 minutes can reduce the risk for heart disease.
• Watch what you eat. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and cereals low in saturated and trans fats.
• Manage diabetes. Women with diabetes are more likely to have a heart attack.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Women shouldn’t have more than one alcoholic drink per day.
• Reduce stress. Deal with stress in healthy ways such as reading or taking daily walks.
• Consider aspirin. Discuss daily aspirin therapy as a preventive measure with your physician.

Talk with your doctor about how to stay heart-healthy. How else can you prevent heart disease? Find out at www.paramounthealthcare.com. Click on “Better Health for Life,” search for “beating heart disease” and click on “A Woman’s Guide to Beating Heart Disease.”