Coronary Heart Disease in Women: Know the RisksTraditionally, coronary heart disease (CHD) has been considered a disease that primarily affects men. Statistics indicate, however, that approximately 250,000 women die from CHD, and a 2002 study found that 28 percent of all women above age 50 die from coronary heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for women in that age group. As with men, the reasons women develop CHD vary, but the most likely risk factors include hypertension, smoking, obesity and lack of exercise. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Women's Association examined these factors, and provided the following
While coronary heart disease is prevalent in the elderly female population, it's not inevitable. By living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and avoiding (or stopping) smoking, women can significantly lower their risk of CHD. Your doctor of chiropractic can create a lifestyle plan that incorporates elements of the above factors, and will help reduce your chances of suffering a cardiovascular event. Reference Hong S, Friedman J, Alt S. Modifiable risk factors for the primary prevention of heart disease in women. Journal of the American Medical Women's Association 2003;58(4), pp. 278-284. For more information about women's health issues, go to www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/women.html. Page printed from: http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=592&no_paginate=true&no_b=true |