Women's Health
Menopause and Heart Disease Risk
People who have more than one specific risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) may be at much greater risk for heart disease than people with no risk factors. Take this quick quiz to assess your risk.
Answer yes or no to the following questions.
By Fran SmithWhy even smart doctors miss breast cancer - and how to make sure you're getting the best care. No matter what you know about other diseases, breast cancer is probably the one that scares you most. It is frightening, striking nearly 182,000 women this year and plunging them into a world of complicated, arduous treatment. So it's heartening to know that more women are being diagnosed early, when the odds of beating the cancer are as high as 98 percent. Prevention and treatment...
Read the Can You Trust Your Mammogram? article > >
1) Do you have high blood pressure?
Yes or No
High blood pressure can strain the heart and increase wear and tear on the blood vessels, making a blockage more likely.
2) Are you African-American?
Yes or No
Black individuals are more likely than white individuals to develop severe high blood pressure, as well as CHD. Heart disease risk is also higher among Mexican-Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians and some Asian-Americans. This is partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
3) Are you a male?
Yes or No
Men have a higher risk of CHD than women do. However, the risk of CHD in postmenopausal women increases and becomes similar to that of men.
4) Do your parents or other family members have heart disease?
Yes or No
The genetic make-up of some individuals increases their chances of developing CHD.
5) Are you over the age of 40?
Yes or No
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop CHD.
6) Do you have high cholesterol?
Yes or No
High cholesterol can contribute to the build-up of plaques that can clog the blood vessels leading to the heart, narrowing them and potentially blocking blood flow to the heart.
7) Do you smoke?
Yes or No
Nicotine in cigarettes speeds up the heart and also narrows the arteries, making it harder for enough blood to get through.
8) Do you have diabetes?
Yes or No
About three-quarters of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Even when blood sugar levels are under control, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, but the risks are even greater if blood sugar is not well controlled.
9) Are you physically inactive, overweight, or obese?
Yes or No
An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for CHD. Regular physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. And people who have excess body fat -- especially around the waist -- are more likely to develop heart disease even if they have no other risk factors. Exercise can help control cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure in many people.
Other factors may also contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. These may include an individual's stress level and consumption of alcohol. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation, taking all factors into consideration.
WebMD Medical Reference
Top 12 Women's Topics-
1.
-
2.
-
3.
-
4.
-
5.
-
6.
-
7.
-
8.
-
9.
-
10.
-
11.
-
12.
Today in Women’s Health
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.