In 2002, the U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services launched the Red Dress campaign to alert women that heart disease is not just a man’s disease, but also the leading cause of death in women. Since then, more women are recognizing the campaign’s signature Red Dress Pin and its significance, and fewer are dying of heart disease.
In fact, 17,000 fewer women died of heart disease in 2004 than in 2003. This statistic, while encouraging, only begins to tell the story.
Despite increased awareness, heart disease remains the most serious threat to women’s health. Plus, the obesity epidemic threatens to reverse current positive trends.
Obesity: A Troubling Trend
More than one-third of American women are obese
(30 percent or more above their ideal weight) and that
figure is expected to rise. Overweight women are more
likely to have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for
heart disease. Currently, about 23 percent of American
women have high blood pressure. This may be why
younger women are getting coronary artery disease,
a narrowing of the coronary arteries caused by a
buildup of fatty deposits or plaque.
Although more women are exercising, most are still not getting enough to improve their cardiovascular health (at least 30 to 45 minutes a day, five days a week). Women also tend to get more sedentary as they age, which is when their risk of heart disease and stroke increases.
Once a woman reaches menopause – usually between the ages of 45 and 55 – her risk of coronary heart disease nearly triples. This may be due to a loss of estrogen, but studies are inconclusive.
What is known is that certain lifestyle factors contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, stress and other risks.
“There is no reason for women to wait for menopause to make heart-healthy changes,” notes Eileen Engle, MD, Director of Women’s Services. “All women should get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, eat a heart-healthy diet, stop smoking and manage stress. Women with a family history of heart disease should be extra diligent as well as those who reach menopause early.”
