2-9-10

Women’s Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in women of all ages, with about one-half million women dying each year in the U.S.

One in every three American women dies of heart disease.  The disease in women may not be easily recognized because some women have different symptoms for heart attack than men, says Dr. Susan Hingle, associate professor of internal medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.  She explains that women may have more vague symptoms than men.

SOUND BITE:  TR 1 (1:43 – 2:05)  “Women may just notice that they have what we call a decrease in exercise tolerance.  They used to be able to walk five blocks before getting short of breath or having any discomfort in their chest.  And now they can only walk one or two blocks without getting those symptoms.  Women may also just all of a sudden feel fatigue and can’t find a reason for the fatigue.”

Women have increased risk of heart disease if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  Family history of early heart disease, smoking and being overweight are also risk factors.  Dr. Hingle explains one more risk factor for heart disease.

SOUND BITE:  TR 1 (4:39 – 5:09)  “ . . . probably the greatest risk factor is going to be age.   Menopausal women are much more likely to have cardiovascular disease than premenopausal women are.  And the assumption is that it’s due to declining estrogen levels. (4:54)  . . . (5:04) And the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing heart disease.”

Dr. Hingle says there are a number of newer treatments for heart disease, which can help minimize the condition.  She also says women can lessen their risk of heart disease by quitting smoking, eating the right foods and getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise most days.

If a woman has symptoms for heart attack, she should see her primary care physician or go to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.