It's probably no surprise to you that nearly 61 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to current estimates.
But these facts might surprise you:
-
In America and most other developed countries, cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly coronary heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in both men and
women.
-
One in 10 American women aged 45 to 64 has some form of heart disease; the rate increases to one in five in women over age 65. Another 1.6 million women have had a stroke.
-
In 1994, CVD claimed the lives of more than a half-million women and accounted for 45.2 perccent of all deaths in women — more than all forms of cancer combined.
-
CVD is a particularly concerning problem among minority women. The death rate due to CVD is 69 percent higher in African-American women than in Anglo women.
-
An estimated 1 in 2 women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, compared with 1 in 25 who will eventually die of breast cancer.
-
About one-quarter of American women have blood cholesterol levels high enough to pose a serious risk for heart disease.
-
Blood cholesterol among women tends to rise sharply beginning at about age 40 and continues to increase until about age 60.
There are many effective ways to help reduce your risk of heart disease and CVD. Start by reading Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease.
Community Voice
|
Become a fan
Follow us
Subscribe
