Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Disease

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Heart and blood vessel problems develop over time and occur when arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood slowly become clogged from a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol. This buildup is called plaque. When the blood flow gets blocked, a heart attack or stroke often results (preventing oxygen and nutrients from traveling to the heart). The four most common types of cardiovascular disease are high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (which includes heart attack and angina pectoris or chest pain), stroke and rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease.

When are women more likely to get a cardiovascular disease?

Women are more apt to get cardiovascular diseases after menopause. As a woman gets older, her body produces lesser amounts of estrogen. Estrogen helps the female body maintain lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and higher levels of “good” cholesterol, and reduces blood pressure.

How many more women die of heart disease than breast cancer?

The numbers are shocking. One in two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 30 who will eventually die of breast cancer.

What are the major risk factors for heart diseases?

The major risk factors for heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes and being overweight and physically inactive. Additional risks include stress and high alcohol intake. Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. African-Americans have more severe hypertension than whites. Consequently, their risk of heart disease is greater.

What are the differences between the symptoms of men and symptoms of women?

When most men are having heart attacks, they exhibit classic symptoms such as sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath and pain in the left arm. Women have different symptoms of heart attacks. These symptoms are often excused for less life-threatening ailments. They include indigestion, dizziness, vomiting, unexplained fatigue and pain around the shoulder blade area.

How can women lower the risk of getting heart disease?

Quit smoking, cut back on foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, eat more fruits and vegetables, check blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, be physically active, and maintain appropriate weight.

Does aspirin help?

Researchers have found great benefits from aspirin. In a study of more than 87,000 women, those who regularly took a low dosage of aspirin had a lesser risk of suffering a first heart attack than those who didn’t. Women older than 50 appeared to benefit the most.

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

The first line of defense is to know the warning signs and symptoms, including:
  • Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.
  • Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath

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