Prevent or Delay the Onset of Heart Disease

Related Information • Caring for a Woman's Heart • Warning Signs • Prevention

First, learning to recognize the warning signs of heart disease is important. It is recommended to seek care immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Intense, prolonged chest pain (often a feeling of heavy pressure)
• Pain radiating from the chest to the left shoulder and arm, back and even jaw
• Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Nausea, vomiting, intense sweating
• Frequent angina attacks that are not caused by exertion

Second, women can make lifestyle changes to control many of the risk factors for heart disease.

• Stop smoking
• Reduce the amount of saturated fats and increase the amount of fiber in the diet
• Take estrogen hormone replacement therapy after menopause
• Gradually work into a regular exercise program
• Control blood pressure levels
• Eliminate excess body weight
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels - good and bad

Third, women should have regular physical examinations to determine the presence of risk factors such as:

• Elevated blood cholesterol
• Abnormal blood sugar levels (diabetes)
• High blood pressure

By identifying and controlling the risk factors, women can lower the probability for heart attacks, early disability and/or death.