For too long, heart disease has been thought of as a man’s disease. But it strikes women with startling frequency. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in women. And the stakes are high: Women are less likely than men to survive a heart attack.

There’s good news, though. There are ways to control your risk factors and protect yourself against heart disease. And if you’re living with heart disease now, making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent it from getting worse.

What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease develops slowly over time. The most common type of heart disease develops when arteries become narrower and harder from deposits of cholesterol-rich plaque. When plaque blocks blood flow to the heart, it causes angina (chest pain) or a heart attack. A heart attack damages the heart muscle, leaving it weaker. Arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats, are another type of heart disease.

Know Your Risk Factors
The chance of developing heart disease depends on some things you can’t control, such as age. At around age 55, a woman’s risk for heart disease jumps. And the older a woman is, the greater her risk is. Genes matter, too. Women who have a parent or sibling with heart disease have a greater risk. You can’t do anything to change these risk factors. But other risk factors—such as smoking cigarettes; having diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol; being overweight; and not getting enough physical activity—are things you can control.

Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
The more risk factors you have, the more likely it is that heart disease will develop. That’s why it’s important to reduce as many risk factors as you can. For women with heart disease, the right lifestyle changes can help treat the condition. Follow these American Heart Association guidelines for women:

• If you smoke, quit. Click here to learn how Paramount can help you kick the habit.
• Get regular exercise. It may help you manage cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight. A goal of 30 minutes on most days, if not all, is good—but aim for 60 to 90 minutes if your goal is weight loss. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
• Choose healthy foods. Go for vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products. Eat fish at least twice a week. Women with heart disease or high triglycerides (a form of fat in the blood) may need fish oil supplements. Limit saturated fat and sodium and drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Consider aspirin. Ask your doctor about low-dose aspirin if you’re age 65 or older. Women at high risk may need a higher dose.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about managing heart disease.

Test Your Heart Smarts
See what you know about preventing heart disease with a quick quiz at www.paramounthealthcare.com. Click on “Better Health for Life,” “Interactive Tools,” “Quizzes,” and then “Heart Disease Prevention Quiz.”