Three Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Heart

According to the American Heart Association, it is the leading cause of death among American women, accounting for one in every three deaths (AHA). While work has been made in the last 20 years to lower that rate, lowering risk factors and death rates in women under 50 has been modest.

That's why the American Heart Association is urging women to do three things to prevent heart disease: recognize the signs of a heart attack, understand their heart disease risk factors, and make healthy lifestyle changes.

1: Recognize that the symptoms of a heart attack in men and women can differ

. According to Dr. Rekha Mankad, a cardiologist and head of the Mayo Clinic Women's Heart Clinic in Rochester, Minn., chest pain is the most common symptom in both men and women, but it may not be the only or main symptom in women.

"Chest pain is there, but it may not double you over. The pain may be in the jaw, radiate around to the back or go up the neck. A woman might have shortness of breath, might feel sick to her stomach or break out in a sweat," Mankad said in a Mayo Clinic news release. "Women experiencing a heart attack may be fatigued and often have an overwhelming feeling of unease ― that something is not right."

2: Understand your chances of having a heart attack or having a stroke.

Age, high blood pressure, diabetes, a high cholesterol profile, and smoking or vaping are all examples.

A high level of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides — blood fats — raises the risk of heart disease in both men and women.

Women are more likely than males to develop high blood pressure as they get older, so they should be on the lookout for any changes, as high blood pressure can place additional strain on the heart, arteries, and kidneys . It also raises the chances of a stroke. Women who have diabetes or smoke are more likely than men to get heart disease.

Complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, or preterm labor are especially crucial to watch out for because they can raise the risk of heart disease later in life.

3: Minimize your risk.

Take steps to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, get daily physical exercise, eat a balanced diet, lose weight, and quit smoking to help prevent heart disease.

One of the best things you can do for your heart is to stop smoking or vaping.

Small modifications are typically the most long-lasting "she continued. "Even 10 minutes of daily walking or exercising can improve mood and establish a healthy habit to build on. Choosing olive oil over hydrogenated oils, replacing one processed food with a more nutritious whole grain, fruit, or vegetable, and replacing one processed food with a more nutritious whole grain, fruit, or vegetable all have a favorable impact on heart health over time.