Women's Heart Health

Heart Disease Is the Leading Killer of American Women¹

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in American women.¹

• In the United States, more women than men die every year of cardiovascular disease.¹

• Coronary heart disease rates in women after menopause are 2-3 times those of women the same age before menopause.²

• 23% of women age 40 and older who have heart attacks die within a year, compared to 18% of men.¹

• 64% of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.¹

• At age 40, the lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease is more than 1 in 2 women.¹

• Some diagnostic tests and procedures, including the exercise stress test, or stress ECG, might be less accurate in women.³

• Information in this section is designed to help you (or someone you know) ask the right questions, seek appropriate medical care and have an informative dialogue with your healthcare provider.

Close the Gap (CTG) Statement on "Healthy Lifestyles Associated with Low Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women"

LATINAStyle:  Lucky Number Five - Return your family’s love by reducing your risk of coronary heart disease

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

It is important to know how heart disease manifests itself in women. These questions are provided to encourage a meaningful dialogue between you and your healthcare provider regarding heart disease.

• What is the difference between heart disease, heart attack and heart failure?
• What are my risk factors for heart disease?
• What are the warning signs or symptoms of heart disease?
• How do warning signs differ for men and women?
• How will menopause affect my heart?
• How does smoking affect my heart?
• Do I need to lose or gain weight for my health?
• What kind of physical exercise is right for me?
• What is a healthful eating plan for me?
• What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol and what should my levels be?
• Based on my history and risk factors what can I do to lower my risk of heart disease?
• What kinds of tests are used to diagnose heart disease?
• Which ones are most appropriate for women?
• What are some of the available treatments for heart disease for my condition?

Resources on Disparities in Health Care

• Kaiser Family Foundation: Putting Women's Health Care Disparities On The Map: Examining Racial and Ethnic Disparities at the State Level (2009)
• Health Care for Minority Women: Recent Findings (AHRQ)

This information is not a substitute for medical care. As always you should consult your doctor or healthcare provider.