Women are susceptible to heart attacks just like men. In fact, women are roughly five times more likely to die from heart disease than they are from breast cancer and in women over the age of 65, heart complications are responsible for more deaths than all cancers combined.

Age is a major factor in heart disease. Although women develop heart problems 7 years later than men, women are less likely to survive a heart attack. The reasons for this are unclear, possibilities include the size of the female heart or that women are not as aware of the symptoms as men. Over the last two decades heart disease in women between the ages of 34 and 58 have been on the increase.  So it is wise that we all pay attention to our hearts, and that we are aware of the warning signs and know the steps we can take to prevent heart disease.

Symptoms of a heart attack in women

The symptoms of a heart attack in women are very similar to that of a man, most commonly starting with chest pains, although it is possible for a woman to suffer a heart attack without feeling any pain in her chest. Common warning signs include a shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea, unexplained sweating and pain along the upper back, neck or jaw.

What can I do to reduce the risk of heart disease?

The main causes of heart disease are the same for men and women. Take a look at the following list and use it to assess your lifestyle, general health and family history.

Smoking

If you smoke, you are at serious risk from heart disease. Women who smoke are four times more likely to have heart problems that those who do not. Clinical research has also proven that women who use oral contraception and smoke are at an even greater risk that women who smoke and do not use oral contraceptives.

The first year after you stop smoking, the potential risk of heart problems has been cut in half. So you simply have to stop smoking. There are several products and groups than can help you quit. If someone you live with smokes after you quit, encourage that they stop as well, because second-hand smoke is also bad for your lungs and heart.

Exercise

You need to exercise regularly. Remember that the heart is a muscle and all muscles need exercise to stay healthy. The most effective type of exercise for your heart is aerobic exercise. You can swim, run, bicycle or use the treadmill. You should do this for about 25 minutes at a time, 4 to 6 days a week. Not only will it make your heart stronger and better at its job, it will also give you more energy and motivation to get things done. Exercise works.

Diet

If you do not already, start eating a low-fat diet that is rich in whole grains, omega-3 and "good" cholesterol. Stay away from the processed foods and saturated fats that are all around us. This is going to increase your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. Take time out of your day to prepare fresh and healthy food. This will reduce the risk of heart disease, have your skin looking better and you feeling more energized.

A healthy weight

 Being overweight puts extra strain on your heart and arteries; they have to work harder to pump blood around your body. Maintaining a healthy weight will not only reduce your chances of heart disease it will also reduce the chances of other medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular exercise and a change in your diet are effective ways to reduce your weight. Talk to your doctor about the safest way to do this.

Know your family's medical history

 If a member of your family has suffered a heart attack before, inform your doctor about this. You should pay special attention to male relatives who suffered a heart attack before the age of 55 and female relatives who had heart disease before the age of 65.

The importance of womens heart health can best be illustrated by statistics from the National Heart Lung Blood Institute (NHLBI): 1 in 4 American women die from heart disease. Though progress has been made with regards to awareness, most women still fail to make a connection between risk factors and their own personal risk of developing heart disease.

Heart disease is a collection of cardiovascular diseases that cause disorders in the heart and blood vessels. Womens heart health risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, but there are plenty that can and should be changed (from NHLBI):

· Don't smoke, and if you do, quit.  Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smoking women.  Smoking also boosts the risk of stroke and cancer.

· Aim for a healthy weight.  It's important for a long, vigorous life.  Overweight and obesity cause many preventable deaths.

· Get moving.  Make a commitment to be more physically active.  Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Eat for womens heart health.  Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat.

· Know your numbers.  Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and blood glucose.  Work with your doctor to improve any numbers that are not normal.

Womens heart health

More than 500,000 women die annually in the U.S. of heart attack or stroke, making cardiovascular disease the main cause of death in women. Heart attack is more likely to cause death in women than in men. Postmenopausal women are at greatest risk (as much as double the risk of younger women or men) of heart attack (National Conference of State Legislators at www.ncsl.org/programs/health/Forum/womenshealth.htm).

Cholesterol levels, which increase more rapidly in women over 50 from diet or other factors including smoking, increase the risk of heart disease. Importantly, the risk of heart attack decreases 24 hours after smoking is stopped[GB1] (www.4women.gov/Quitsmoking). For heart health, cholesterol levels should be maintained within healthy ranges by diet, exercise, and/or medication.