Women's Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for American women. At menopause, a woman's heart disease risk starts to increase significantly. Each year, 88,000 women ages 45 to 64 have a heart attack. Beginning at age 50, more women than men have elevated cholesterol levels. That's why it's important to maintain a healthy heart for life.

The following lifestyle factors will help reduce your risk for developing heart disease:

• Quit smoking
• 60 - 90 minutes of moderate physical activity every day
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Reduce calorie and saturated fat intake
• Avoid foods high in sodium
• Eat fresh vegetables and low-fat dairy products
• Take our Women & Heart Disease quiz to test your knowledge about heart health.

The experts at the Gill Heart Institute provide high quality clinical heart care and leading-edge heart health research. Learn more.

How do heart conditions affect men and women differently? 

Read Advances & Insights to find out.