Many people don't realize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer and disabler of American women. During childbearing years, estrogen helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. During menopause, estrogen levels drop, leaving women without this protection.
When HDL -- known as good cholesterol -- levels drop and triglyceride levels increase, women have the same risk for heart disease as men do, but seven to 10 years later in life.
To compensate for the loss of natural protection from heart disease, women need to make heart healthy choices.
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fatty fish and other lean proteins.
Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily.
Keep a healthy weight.
Choose and prepare foods with less salt to help lower your blood pressure.
About two-thirds of women who die of heart disease had no previous symptoms. And signs of heart disease for women often differ from men and may go unrecognized or ignored. So it's important to realize that heart disease is a woman's health issue too.
Posted by rashun101 at 5:51 AM EDT
Updated: Friday, 29 May
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