Don t become a statistic. Take charge of your health. Women and Heart Disease www.foryourheart.com
Heart disease kills 60 women every hour in the U.S. alone
Be Heart Smart Know the Facts, Save Your Life Heart disease kills more women than breast cancer (or any other form of cancer), AIDS, domestic violence, and stroke. Yet most women and many doctors may not recognize the early warning signs, despite the fact that more women than men die of cardiovascular disease every year. Don t become a statistic; know the facts, the symptoms and the risk factors. Take action talk to your doctor and make healthy changes in your life for yourself, your family and your future together. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women
African-American and Hispanic women face a greater threat from heart disease than women of other races
What s Your Heart I.Q.? Signs and Symptoms Would you recognize the symptoms of heart disease? The warning signs are different for women than they are for men and they can be far more subtle. If you or any woman you know has these symptoms, get help right away. Shortness of breath, often without any chest pain Feelings of anxiety Unexplained fatigue, weakness or dizziness Pain in chest, upper back, shoulders, neck or jaw Flu-like symptoms specifically nausea, clamminess or cold sweats If you even suspect you are experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor. If urgent, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Don t take chances ask more questions and see another doctor if necessary. Map out your family s health history
4 of women who died suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms
Are You at Risk? Be Aware, Take Care The risk factors of heart disease in women include: Smoking Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Family history of heart disease Lack of physical activity Stress Post-menopausal But these aren t the only factors. Your risk also increases if you: Don t see your doctor regularly Don t care for your own medical needs the way you do for others Don t realize heart disease isn t only a man s disease Visit www.goredforwomen.org to take the Heart CheckUp and learn how to reduce your risk
Heart disease rates in post- menopausal women are 2 3 times higher than in pre - menopausal women of the same age
Reduce Your Risk Take Charge of Your Health Taking care of your heart may mean slowing down enough to consider your own health needs. The simplest steps can make the biggest difference, such as getting regular exercise with a daily walk, and adopting a healthier diet just adding one serving of fish each week and a fruit or vegetable to each meal can help. If you smoke, quit today even if it takes joining a support group. Most importantly, talk to your doctor. Remember, the care you can give to others depends on the care you first give to yourself. Talk to Your Doctor When it comes to heart disease, knowledge is everything. The best source of information about your health is a discussion with your doctor or healthcare provider. Make an appointment today and get to the heart of the matter. Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber
25 % of men 38 % of women who have heart attacks die within a year
Reduce Your Risk Go Online, Get Informed You can also learn more about heart disease in women on the Internet. Nothing replaces a visit with your healthcare professional, but the Web provides helpful information about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, the factors that increase your risk of illness and the measures you can take to be healthier. Here are a few informative sites: www.foryourheart.com www.americanheart.org www.goredforwomen.org www.womenheart.org www.hearttruth.gov www.womenshealthresearch.org www.speakingofwomenshealth.com Don t smoke
Some diagnostic tests and procedures, including the exercise stress test, or stress ECG, may be less accurate in women
Questions For Your Doctor What is the difference between heart disease, heart attack and heart failure? What are my risk factors for heart disease? What are the warning signs or symptoms of heart disease? How do warning signs differ for men and women? How will menopause affect my heart? How does smoking affect my heart? What kind of physical exercise is right for me? What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol and what should my levels be? Based on my history and risk factors, what can I do to lower my risk of heart disease? What kinds of tests are used to diagnose heart disease? Reduce your stress levels and try to laugh every day
doctor Visit notes
Abbott, Your Doctor and You Partners in Health At Abbott Vascular, we know the power and vulnerability of the human heart. We are pioneers of life-saving vascular technologies, and we re committed to partnering with healthcare professionals to help inform their patients about vitally important subjects such as heart disease in women. It s all about turning science into caring. As part of our mission, we fund educational materials like this one. Our thanks to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for providing much of the information provided herein. www.foryourheart.com The contents of this brochure is not a substitute for medical care. As always, you should consult your doctor or healthcare provider. Sources: AHA, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2009 Update; www.nhlbi.nih.gov; www.netwellness.org; West Suburban Cardiologists, Ltd. All reference data on file at Abbott Vascular. The heart beats 40 million times a year
www.foryourheart.com Abbott Vascular 3200 Lakeside Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Tel: 408.845.3000 Fax: 408.845.3333 Customer Service: 1.800.227.9902 For more information, visit our web site at abbottvascular.com 2009 Abbott Laboratories. All rights reserved. LT2929747 2929747 Rev. B 12/09