MAYBE
you’re into Roller
Derby or rock climbing—nearly
every woman enjoys a little risk now
and then. An exotic trip, a fashion
makeover, a new romance—risks can
be thrilling and fun.
But if you’re taking risks that in-
crease your chance of heart disease,
you’re risking too much.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer
of women in the U.S., according to
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute (NHLBI). It’s also a leading
cause of disability.
But by understanding the risks
and developing healthy habits, you
can lower your risk of heart disease.
Where the problems begin
Te most common type of heart
disease is coronary heart disease
(CHD). It can lead to heart attack,
heart failure, arrhythmias and sud-
den cardiac arrest. Overall, more
women in this country die from
CHD than from cancer, reports the
American College of Cardiology.
CHD occurs when blood vessels
that feed the heart become lined with
plaque, a fatty substance that forms
when there is too much cholesterol
in the blood. As plaque slowly builds
over time, it narrows the arteries and
reduces blood fow to the heart.
Plaque can also rupture. When
that happens, blood clots form inside
the artery. If clots get large enough,
they can block blood fow to the
heart. Tis is the most common
cause of a heart attack.
Not your father’s heart disease
CHD can develop without symp-
toms, particularly in women. When
symptoms are present, angina—or
chest pain—is the most common.
Men and women can experience
angina diferently. For example, men
ofen report pressure or squeezing in
the chest and arms. Women can have
To learn more
about FCMH’s
cardiopulmonary
services, go to
www.fcmh.org
and click on
“Cardiopulmonary”
under “Hospital
Services.”
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fayette health notes