Women's Statistics on Heart Disease Rank Higher

The #1 Cause of Death in US Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and the statistics surrounding this fact are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 women will die from heart disease, and 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing the disease.

At Antelope Valley Medical Center, we understand the importance of educating our community on the risks and warning signs of heart disease, particularly in women.

What Are the Risks of Heart Disease in Women?

1. High Blood Pressure

One of the most significant risk factors for heart disease in women is high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure are more likely to develop coronary artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Additionally, high blood pressure increases the risk of congestive heart failure, which occurs when the body's needs for blood cannot be met by the heart. If you suspect you have high blood pressure, our team recommends regularly monitoring with an at-home blood pressure monitor.

It is also imperative to visit a healthcare provider if you experience high blood pressure; our hospital offers palliative care, such as comprehensive screenings and treatments for hypertension, including lifestyle changes, medications, and other therapies.

2. Diabetes

Another significant risk factor for heart disease in women is diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body uses blood sugar. As a result of diabetes, small blood vessels in the heart, kidneys, and other organs become damaged, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is important to note that diabetes can be effectively managed to help you lead a healthy lifestyle, even after diagnosis. Diabetes management services help patients control their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of heart disease.

3. Obesity

Obesity is another risk factor for heart disease in women due to the increased strain it puts on the heart and blood vessels. The extra weight can lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other severe health conditions. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and physical activity is essential for reducing women's risk of heart disease.

Our hospital offers a variety of weight management programs to help women achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Patients can start a journey towards a healthier lifestyle and improved quality of life with our bariatric weight loss programs!

4. Smoking

Another risk factor for heart disease in women is smoking. Why? Smoking damages the arteries, raising the risk of heart disease in women. Abrasions like this can lead to plaque build-up, restricting arteries and increasing blood clot risk.

If you want to quit smoking altogether, our healthcare services can offer smoking cessation programs to help women quit smoking and reduce their risk of heart disease.

Preventing & Managing Heart Disease at Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center understands the importance of educating our community on the risk factors and warning signs of heart disease, particularly in women.

Take action and protect your heart health. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Together, we can help reduce the risk of heart disease in women and improve the health of our community!