Heart Disease is the #1 Killer Among Women

Breast Cancer Awareness month, in October, spotlights and draws attention to the severity of the disease. Although one may think that this is the #1 killer among women, actually heart disease holds this position. One in 36 women in the United States dies of breast cancer, while one in 4 dies of heart disease. Annually, about 300,000 women die a year from heart disease, compared to about 40,000 from breast cancer.

Until all the causes of breast cancer are found, research will continue. Many unknown factors still exist that affect the risk of having it and there is a need for finding a cure. According to Breastcancer.org, the 5 year survival rate is over 80%. With early detection the rate improves to 98%. Follow medical guidance for examinations and prevention. Early detection can have a life-lasting effect and a return to normal life.

In a severe contrast, heart disease has known risk factors and is mostly avoidable with a healthy lifestyle. During physical exams, physicians oftentimes will conduct tests and discuss the major risk factors of heart disease. If not, always ask your doctor, “what is my risk for heart disease?” It is never too soon or too late to make lifestyle changes. Major risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and menopausal hormone therapy.

Women who have a heart attack have an 80% survival rate after a year. Unfortunately, 2/3 of those women fail to make a full recovery. A damaged heart can prevent enjoyable activities, some as basic as taking a walk or climbing stairs. A healthy diet, good daily habits, and physical activity can make great improvements towards prevention. Research from the National Institute of Health has shown that a healthy lifestyle could reduce risk by as much as 82%.

In general, women are such good care-takers that they often forget to take time for their own well-being. Resources are plentiful to make lifestyle changes. There are physicians, dieticians, on-line websites, support groups, and family members all ready to help achieve a healthier life. Choose one or more and get started today. Cardiochoices.com is a resource that shares a great deal of information about the diseases and procedures associated with matters of the heart.