62% of Women Don't Know This Important Heart Health Fact, a Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Warns

Yahoo

2 days ago

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. But many don't realize this fact, or simply don't think they're at risk. A new national survey of women in the U.S. by Cleveland Clinic, in collaboration with YouGov, found that 62% of women don't know that heart disease affects men and women at similar rates. For decades, health experts have been working to raise awareness about women and heart disease, but more work needs to be done, says , a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊
'Women are fixated on breast cancer and gynecological cancer—and those are very, very important—but the sad truth is that a majority of women will die from heart disease,' she adds. 'So, it's really important to keep on educating.' Heart disease was responsible for one in five female deaths in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that in many instances, you can lower your risk for heart disease. Here's what you should know.
The Cleveland Clinic survey highlighted a few barriers that affect women's health and access to health care. Cost is a big one—most women surveyed said the cost of health care, healthy foods and exercise keep them from prioritizing their health. A third listed stress and anxiety, and 14% said caregiving responsibilities were challenges. Related: This Habit May Make You Six Times More Likely to Have a Heart Attack'Those barriers are very real, and we see them all the time,' Dr. Cho says. Women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, known as the 'sandwich generation,' are typically caring for their parents and children, and may neglect their own needs.
Food costs are rising, and healthy foods are typically more expensive than unhealthy items, research shows. Many Americans also live in food deserts, where they don't even have access to healthy foods. Checking out local food pantries or other local resources could help. When it comes to exercise, there are many free options out there. 'We often think we need money for exercise, but we don't need any money for exercise,' Dr. Cho says. She recommends tapping into the many free workout videos on YouTube or starting to walk.
It's important to start monitoring your blood pressure and other aspects of your cardiovascular health now, Dr. Cho says. As you get older, your blood pressure usually goes up, so getting a baseline and paying attention to changes is crucial. If you're healthy overall, you should get your cholesterol and glucose levels checked every couple of years (or more often if you're at a high risk for heart disease), Dr. Cho says. Related: A Cardiovascular Dietitian Says This Hidden Ingredient Could Be Wreaking Havoc on Heart Health Monitoring your health will help you recognize when something changes so that you can get treated quickly.
Most cases of heart disease are preventable, meaning you can lower your risk factors, Dr. Cho says. 'That's the great news,' she says. 'So, how do you do that? You do that by not smoking. You do that by eating healthy, exercising and getting your blood pressure checked, your cholesterol checked, making sure you are not diabetic, and that you know your family risk. Those are the important bottom-line things.'
Related: 3 Subtle Signs of Heart Attack Risk Most People Miss, According to a Doctor
Along with quitting smoking and keeping up with your health screenings, here are some tips to lower your risk, according to the American Heart Association:
Many women have at least one condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history. Women with 'adverse pregnancy outcomes,' such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions during pregnancy, may have a higher risk of developing heart disease later, Dr. Cho says.
Nausea, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold sweats, or aches or tightness in your chest, arms, back, neck, jaw or abdomen are symptoms women might experience.
Choose lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and skinless poultry. Limit ultra-processed foods, sugar, saturated fat, red meat and sodium.
Strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week or 75 minutes of intense activity or a combo. Add in strength training two or more days a week.
It's never too early or too late to take care of your heart, Dr. Cho says. 'I desperately want women to know that the number one killer for women is heart disease. You can reduce your risk, and risk factors are preventable.'
Up Next:Leslie Cho, MD, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic Survey Reveals Insights into Women's Health, Sheds Light on Gaps in Knowledge and Barriers to Care, Cleveland Clinic
About Women and Heart Disease, CDC
The 'sandwich generation': women caring for parents and children, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Food-at-home prices forecast to rise by 3.3 percent in 2025, USDA
Healthy Food Prices Increased More Than the Prices of Unhealthy Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Concurrent Challenges to the Food System, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
How to Help Prevent Heart Disease At Any Age, American Heart Association