Heart disease is the number one killer of women striking young and old. The risk goes up significantly after menopause. But there are certain things women should do at each stage of life to keep their heart healthy.
"Prevention of future heart disease is largely something they can tackle on their own," says cardiologist Elizabeth Ross.
Dr. Ross wrote a book about women and heart disease. She says, women in their 20's should be developing and maintaining healthy habits to prevent heart disease. "Eating a healthy diet, a nutritionally sound diet, and getting on to a regular exercise program," explains Dr. Ross.
When you hit 30, you need to learn about your own risk factors for heart disease. Dr. Ross says, "It's a good time for women to be evaluated for high blood pressure, for diabetes with a blood test, and for high cholesterol, again with a blood test."
In your 40's? Then it's time to break out the tape measure. Pay close attention to your waist size. "A waist measurement of more than 35 inches correlates with an increased risk for the things that cause heart disease, like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol," explains Dr. Ross.
Women in their 50's need to keep their risk factors under control. And diet and exercise become even more important. "They really need to increase their exercise program because the metabolism really is dropping in the 50's, but also restrict the calorie intake to keep their weight under control."
And Dr. Ross says her most important advice is for women of all ages. She says, "The biggest impact in reduction of heart disease for the future is to quit smoking."
A lot of women don't experience symptoms of heart disease that's why it's so important to get medical screenings and to be aware of risk factors.
(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
