Dr. Salim

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60,000 more women than men die each year from coronary artery disease. Increasing awareness of heart issues in women is the first step toward reducing the death rate from this largely preventable killer. Understanding risks, prevention and symptoms are all integral to heightened knowledge and a lower risk of heart disease. Mayo Clinic Health System family physician, Jonny Salim, M.D., says to seize the moment and commit yourself to becoming a heart-healthy woman today.

Risks It’s well-documented that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity are major risk factors for heart disease. But there are risks that affect women more than men:

• Diabetes
• Premature menopause (before age 45)
• Smoking
• Metabolic syndrome – the combination of abdominal fat and high blood pressure, blood sugar and triglycerides
• Depression

No matter your age, be sure to speak with your health care provider if you think you may be at risk for heart disease. Heart attack warning signs Another common message is that crushing chest pain is an indicator of a possible heart attack. While this is true, heart attack signs in women can be very different.