FWPCenter

“Heart disease” refers to several types of problems that affect the heart. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease. In CAD, plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Over time, this buildup causes the arteries to narrow and harden, a process called atherosclerosis. This prevents the heart from getting all the blood it needs. It can also cause a blood clot to develop. If the clot blocks blood flow to the heart it can cause a heart attack.

Heart disease often has no symptoms you can feel, like pain or shortness of breath. Two out of every 3 women who die suddenly from heart disease did not have symptoms. But there are some signs to watch for. Chest or arm pain or discomfort can be a symptom of heart disease or a warning sign of a heart attack. Women often describe a burning chest pain or pain in the back, neck or jaw. Call 911 if you think you are having a heart attack, rather than driving yourself.

Certain habits and health problems raise your risk for heart disease. Habits you can control include not smoking, eating healthy, getting physical activity, limiting alcohol, and reducing stress. Health problems you can improve include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight and obesity, and diabetes. Risk factors you can’t control include your age, family history, and menopause... Tell your primary care doctor if you have had gestational high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia during a past pregnancy. These pregnancy problems are also signs that you are at higher risk for heart disease later in life, after pregnancy.

Women usually get heart disease about 10 years after men do. This is because until menopause, the ovaries make the hormone estrogen. Estrogen gives premenopausal women some protection against heart disease by keeping blood vessels relaxed and a healthy cholesterol balance.