Heart Health Guidelines for Women from the American Heart Association

Last updated 1 year ago

Cardiovascular disease, also simply called heart disease, can involve a variety of serious conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system. According to the American Heart Association, the various forms of heart disease are the leading cause of death in American women and result in thousands of deaths every year.

Are you at risk for heart disease? The American Heart Association recommends that women, when evaluating their possible risk for heart disease, consider their lifestyle, medical history, family history of heart disease, and other genetic conditions. Through careful consideration of these factors, women and their physicians can determine the most appropriate preventive measures to fit their unique situation. For women with a higher risk, these measures would involve a more aggressive treatment plan.

Because heart disease can affect women at any age, the American Heart Association recommends that women begin living a heart-healthy lifestyle as soon as possible. Below are some of the AHA’s tips for preventing cardiovascular disease.

Avoid tobacco use
Smoking and being exposed to second-hand smoke both increase your risk of developing heart disease. If you already smoke, speak with your doctor to learn some helpful ways to quit.
Get active
Physical activity is vital for improving your heart’s efficiency and improving your overall health. Make a strong effort to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of rigorous exercise.
Focus on eating healthy
Make sure that your daily meals are rich in fiber, fruits, leafy greens, and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, and sodium.
Moderate your alcohol intake
Women should limit their intake of alcoholic beverages to one drink (or less) per day.
Manage your weight
If you are overweight or underweight, speak with your physician to find out how you can manage your weight the healthy way.

Learning more about your risk for heart disease can help you to make better decisions about your future health. For more information about keeping your heart healthy, contact Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center at (877) 888-5746.