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Many women think heart disease is a man's problem, but heart disease is very much a woman's problem. One in three American women dies of heart disease. In 2003, almost twice as many women died of cardiovascular disease (both heart disease and stroke) than from all cancers combined. The older a woman gets, the more likely she is to get heart disease. But women of all ages should be concerned about heart disease. All women should take steps to prevent it.
Doctors do not always bring up heart disease with their female patients. At your next appointment, make sure to ask your doctor about your risk for heart disease and what you can do to lower your risk. If you ever have symptoms that you think might be heart-related, see your doctor right awaynever wait!
Be prepared.
Tell your story.
Tell your doctor if:
Your doctor will probably ask you questions about your lifestyle. She or he may ask if you smoke, drink alcohol, and what kinds of food you eat. Don't be afraid to tell the truth. Your doctor needs to know these things to help you. Remember, you are working to improve your healththat's something to be proud of and your doctor will be glad to work with you.
Take notes, bring a tape recorder, or ask a friend or family member to come with you. This will help you remember what your doctor tells you.
Ask questions. Your doctor may order tests or suggest lifestyle changes or treatments. Make sure you understand your condition(s) and any tests ordered or treatments prescribed. Ask your doctor to explain if she or he says something that you do not understand. There are no "stupid" questionsevery question you have is important when it comes to your heart health.
Speak up. Let your doctor know if she or he has not answered your question or addressed your concern. Tell your doctor if a treatment is not working or if you are having side effects. She or he may prescribe a different treatment(s) that may work better for you.
If medication is prescribed:
You can find out more about heart disease by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Phone Number(s): (301) 592-8573
Internet Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm
National Cholesterol Education Program
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Internet Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep
National High Blood Pressure Education Program
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Internet Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/nhbpep/index.htm
Act In Time to Heart Attack Signs Campaign
National Heart Attack Alert Program
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Phone Number(s): (301) 592-8573
Internet Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/actintime/
The Heart Truth
National Awareness Campaign for Women about Heart Disease
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Internet Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth/index.htm
American Heart Association
Phone Number(s): (800) 242-8721
Internet Address: http://www.americanheart.org/
All material contained in this FAQ is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.
This FAQ was reviewed by:
Patrice Desvigne-Nickens, M.D.
Leader, Cardiovascular Medicine SRG
Clinical and Molecular Medicine Program
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Current as of May 2006
This site is owned and maintained by the Office on Women's Health
in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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