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Women's Health Project: Fact Sheets
Women and Heart Disease
- Over 32 million American women have one or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Surveys show that most women are far more afraid of breast cancer than of cardiovascular disease, even though 1 in 30 women's deaths is from breast cancer while 1 in 2.4 is from CVD.
- Studies show that a higher percentage of women than men have total blood cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or higher, beginning at age 50, which is a cause of CVD.
- Physical inactivity, another cause of CVD, is more prevalent among women than men.
- In 1999, over 40% of all deaths were caused by CVD. More than 2,600 Americans die of CVD each day, an average of 1 death every 33 seconds.
- Approximately 1 in 5 deaths from cardiovascular diseases is attributable to smoking.
- Americans will pay an estimated $330 billion in 2002 for CVD-related medical costs and disability.
Tips to Prevent Heart Disease
- Don't smoke.
- Eat a diet low in fat, cholesterol and sodium and high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and dietary fiber.
- Stay active and exercise regularly.
- If you have high blood pressure, get it controlled and keep it low.
Sources:
2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update, American Heart Association
Heart Facts 2002: All Americans, American Heart Association
Posted Sept. 10, 2002
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