Women's Health

Gynecology

Menopause

Heart Disease

Surprisingly to many women, it is actually heart disease that is the leading cause of death among post-menopausal women. In fact, women are twelve times more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer. Often, heart disease is considered to be a health risk mainly in men. Prior to menopause, women do enjoy a lower risk than men of heart disease and stroke, but following menopause, men and women are at equal risk.

Recent studies show that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) does not protect against heart disease and may, in fact, slightly increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. If you are considering HRT, be sure to discuss this risk with your doctor.

Other factors that can increase your likelihood of developing heart disease include: aging; being menopausal/ postmenopausal; family history; cigarette smoking; lack of exercise and/or being overweight; diabetes; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; and heavy alcohol consumption.

There are many things you can do to prevent and/or lower you risk of heart disease. Discuss these suggestions with your doctor, and he/she can set you on the path to enjoy good heart health for years to come: stop smoking; control diabetes; treat high blood pressure; reduce your cholesterol; control your weight; exercise; enjoy a low-fat, high-fiber diet; include more soy in your diet; enjoy alcohol in moderation; keep stress under control; utilize aspirin therapy.