Heart disease remains the number killer of women in the United States; and the rate of decline in heart disease has been less prevalent among women. Approximately one woman dies every minute from heart disease in this country. Every year since 1984 more women have died of heart disease than men yet many women are still unaware of their biggest health threat. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s Red Dress/Heart Truth campaign which began in 2001 and the American Heart Association’s Go Red campaign which began in 2004 were both developed to educate and increase women’s awareness of heart disease. How well are we doing? The American Heart Association conducted random surveys in 1997, 2000, and 2003 asking women to identify their leading cause of death. The percentage answering correctly was 30%, 34%, and 46%, respectively. The most recent Lifetime Poll released in February 2006 found that only 54% of the women surveyed were able to correctly identify heart disease as their leading cause of death. Among those who correctly identified heart disease as the leading cause of death, the majority still perceived cancer as their greatest health risk. Even though awareness overall among women has significantly increased, there is still a large population of women who are unaware of their risk and women who are not personalizing this information.
The majority of the risk factors that can lead to the development of heart disease are similar for both men and women. One unique risk factor women experience is menopause. Prior to menopause estrogen protects most women from developing heart disease. After menopause (and the loss of estrogen) a clustering of heart disease risk factors occurs (including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and weight gain) which dramatically increases a woman’s risk for heart attacks and strokes. Clinical research studies have found that eighty percent of heart attacks are preventable by controlling and optimizing risk factors. It is imperative that women of all ages evaluate their risk factors (especially prior to menopause) in order to decrease their risk of developing heart disease. We need to empower women to identify their individual risk factors and make the necessary lifestyle changes. Visit www.heart-strong.com for information about risk factors, heart health and heart disease prevention. Our new book Take Charge: A Woman's Guide to a Healthier Heart will be released December 2008.