An Introduction to Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term used to describe a range of diseases that affect your heart or blood vessels. The various diseases that fall under the umbrella of cardiovascular disease include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke.

For more information on cardiovascular disease, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

FAQ on Heart Disease and Women

1. Should women be concerned about heart disease?
Yes. 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 heart disease.
2. What are the signs of a heart attack?
Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Other symptoms, such as shortness of breath (feeling like you can't get enough air), breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), or feeling faint or woozy
Some women have more vague symptoms such as:
Unusual tiredness, trouble sleeping, problems breathing, indigestion
3. What can I do to prevent Heart Disease?
Know your blood pressure, do not smoke, get tested for diabetes, have cholesterol check ups, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and eat healthy.
4. What if I don't have any family history of heart disease, am I still at risk?
Genetics only plays a small role in heart disease. It can be caused by many factors.
5. What dietary changes can I make to reduce my risks?
Adopting a heart- healthy nutrition strategy can help reduce total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and reduce body weight. Here are some tips: Increase your intake of fruits, vegeatbles, and whole grains; limit fat intake; limit intake of cholesterol; eat small, but more meals throughout the day (for example, eating 5 to 6 mini-meals); and reduce salt intake.
6. What should I do if I have the risk factors of heart disease?
You can slow the rate at which it progresses by improving your diet, exercising, reducing stress, and quitting smoking. You should schedule regualar checkups with your doctor to examine your health.
7. What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft waxy like material that is made in the liver of animals. Animal foods such as egg yolks, milk fat, organ meats and shellfish, contain cholesterol.
In many people, an elevated blood cholesterol level (hypercholesterolemia) is caused by excessive intake of foods high in saturated fats, cholesterol and calories. Reducing intake of these products can reduce cholesterol levels. Limit intake to 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.
8. What is the link between smoking and heart disease?
The nicotine present in smoke causes: decreased oxygen to the heart, increased blood pressure and heart rate, increase in blood clotting, damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels, triggering atherosclerosis and heart disease.
9. What is a heart attack or myocardial infarction?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the heart starts to die.
10.What does high cholesterol have to do with heart disease?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all parts of the body. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause blood clots. Cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. This can cause a heart attack.