In one survey of women, only 34% knew that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Despite a significant reduction in death rates, coronary artery disease has remained the leading cause of death in the United States and coronary artery disease claims the lives of more women than any other disease.

Increasing age, family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes are all risk factors for heart disease. The more risk factors, the greater the risk. According to the American Heart Association, smoking is the single most preventative cause of death in the United States. Women who smoke run as much as six times the risk of having a heart attack as nonsmoking women. Cigarette smoke puts added strain on the heart because it constricts the blood vessels. Smoking also causes temporary changes in your heart causing it to beat faster and it raises your blood pressure. Smoking also increases the level of carbon monoxide in your blood, which robs your heart and other tissues of vital oxygen. Constant exposure to secondhand smoke, even for nonsmokers, also increases the risk of heart disease.

Diabetes is a more powerful risk factor for women than for men. A large clinical study found that diabetes tripled the risk for heart disease in women. There are socio-economic factors as well. Poor social support, poverty and single motherhood are correlated with an increased risk. A higher death rate from coronary artery disease has been observed in women who are single and head of the household as well as single women overall.

There are other factors that can contribute to the risk of heart disease in women. Studies are still underway to define the role that stress plays in the development of heart disease. Several studies have shown that the loss of natural estrogen may contribute to a higher risk of heart disease after menopause. If menopause is the result of surgery to remove the uterus and the ovaries, the risk rises sharply. However, if menopause occurs naturally, the risk rises more slowly.

While some risk factors are not controllable such as heredity or gender, many risk factors can be modified by lifestyle changes like exercising more, eating better and quitting smoking.

Heart attack warning signs vary. During a heart attack, a woman might experience only these symptoms: unexplained fatigue, labored breathing, nausea or dizziness-without chest pain.

However, usually women actually do suffer the classic signs as well:
· Light-headedness or fainting
· Sweating
· Palpitations, pressure or squeezing in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and goes
· Chest pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms
· Nausea or shortness of breath
If you notice some of these signs (not all occur in every attack), or hear complaints about them from another person, call 911.

Want to find out your risk for heart disease? Take our fast and free 15-question quiz online at www.methodistmedicalcenter.org. For more information about heart disease, contact the Methodist Heart Vascular and Lung Institute at 672-4670.

Facts on Women and Heart Disease from Methodist Medical Center

More than half a million people in the United States die from heart attacks each year, and close to half of them are women. Although most people seem to have an understanding of heart attack symptoms, it's important to understand that not all warning signs occur with every heart attack.

Women develop heart disease at a later age than men. A woman's natural estrogen may help protect her against heart disease until after menopause. Knowing more about what causes heart disease can help women reduce their risk and protect their health.

Risk Factors: The risk factors for cardiovascular disease are the same for both sexes but the impact varies by gender. The most important risk factors are:
· Elevated cholesterol
· Cigarette smoking
· Hypertension (high blood pressure)
· Family history

Other risk factors especially pertinent for women are:
· Obesity
· Diabetes
· Hormonal status

Other secondary risk factors include:
· Level of physical activity
· Personality
· Stress